Designing Platforms for Creative Expression

Daniel McNamara

Define an Instrument

An instrument can then be considered a tool for accomplishing a goal

In it's broadest sense, an instrument is a means whereby something is achieved

What's the Goal?

To create instruments that facilitate artistic expression, and to explore the design tactics best suited for a particular medium

The Idea

Considerations for Contemporary Instrument Design

  • Conceptual intent

  • Means of expression

  • Scope of users

  • Realization methods

Three Projects

Each project is a platform for creation:

  • Roulette is an instrument designed for personal musical needs
  • Ticklers are instruments intended to encourage anyone to explore and play music
  • Art Arcade is a conceptual platform encouraging varied artistic response from an item of cultural significance 

 

Roulette

A Generative Sequencer for Rhythmically-varied patterns

  • Conceptual Intent:
    To create an accompaniment instrument capable of improvising

  • Means of Expression:
    Musical

  • Scope of Users:
    Personal Project

  • Realization Method:
    Rapid Prototyping, Repurposed Materials

Conceptual Intent

  • Create an accompanying drum machine capable of moderate improvisation

  • Allow myself as a musician to focus on my own playing while recording or performing with my computer 

Means of Expression

 

  • The interface of Roulette is a representation of a 4/4 bar broken into 16th notes

  • Each module allows for control of Volume, Probability, Timing Offset, and Instantaneous Event Control 

Scope of Users

  • Roulette is a personal project, which permits the design to be catered to my personal preferences and opinions towards functionality 

Realization Method

  • Rapid Prototyping (3D Printing, Circuit Design)

  • Repurposing of Materials

Motherboard

Module

Ticklers

Mobile Electroacoustic Instruments for the masses

  • Conceptual Intent:
    To harness mobile tech's power + convenience to create a series of user-friendly electroacoustic instruments 

  • Means of Expression:
    Musical

  • Scope of Users:
    Commercial Project

  • Realization Method:
    Rapid Prototyping, Mobile Tech

Conceptual Intent

Tickler

Minute Sensory Experience

Personal music experience

Portable High-Expression Instrument

Means of Expression

Play a Tickler anywhere

Scope of Users

  • Curated Interface 

  • Gentle Learning Curve

  • Plug and Play

Realization Method

  • Rapid Prototyping (3D Printing, Circuit Design)

  • Utilization of Mobile Tech's Computing Power

Art Arcade

A Coin Operated, Interactive Art Group Show

  • Conceptual Intent:
    To call into question the way in which people interact with art based on the context in which its presented. Museum vs Public space, High Culture vs Low... 

  • Means of Expression:
    Interactive Installation

  • Scope of Users:
     Art Show; open to public 

  • Realization Method:
    Reappropriated Commercial Tech, Call for Proposals

Conceptual Intent

Examine the relationship between "high" and "low" culture by juxtaposing arcade entertainment technology in an Fine Arts context

Means of Expression

Derive varied artistic responses from the action, and embedded cultural significance, of a coin exchange:

  • Political

  • Surreal 

  • Playful

  • Philosophical

Scope of Users

  • Art Arcade is a series of interactive installations displayed to the public
     

  • The concept of each piece must meet the satisfaction of the artist foremost, ideally communicating to the audience as well

Realization Method

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