A Step Out of the Grid - Interaction with Touch-Based Alternative Rhythm Programming Layouts in Drum Machine User Interfaces

Abstract

Drum Machines have been popular tools in music creation since their great penetration in the 80s. Even though this was 40 years ago, the layout used for step programming still looks and works the same - 16 binary steps distributed in a row or a matrix. This research and project investigate how alternative step programming layouts based on touchscreen interaction possibilities can affect user experience, player behaviour and usability. An initial investigation of how expert users utilise and interact with drum machines was executed. The result from the user study shows that the use of drum machines is subjective and individually dependent on user preference, previous experience, context and user goal. Drum machines are used to realise specific goals as well as perform open-ended musical exploration. Full control over a device is expressed as desirable, even though the users wish the interaction to result in unpredictable outcomes in certain situations. Four alternative layouts were developed and integrated into a web application. For comparison, a traditional layout was also integrated within the prototype. The layouts were compared and evaluated with both expert and beginner/intermediate users. The evaluation of the alternative layouts concludes that alternative step programming layouts based on touchscreen interaction affects user experience and player behaviour. Gestures were used as a way to explore, experiment, find inspiration and reach for unpredictable results. Alternative layouts, designed to utilise the possibilities touchscreen user interfaces provide, have the potential to enhance the cumulative user experience when step programming rhythms in action mode.