In this course, we will explore theoretical and practical issues in building and designing new interfaces for musical expression (NIMEs) and interactive music/performance systems through experimentation and exercises. We will utilize research methods across human computer interaction (HCI), industrial design, accessibility studies, music studies, and practice based and practice-led research. Students will build interactive systems using Arduino, Max MSP, Ableton Live, and Wekinator. Students will also engage in materials research learning how to build soft circuits and sensors and implement their findings into an interactive musical system.

The course involves readings, class discussions, projects, and presentations and will be organized into the following units:

Unit 1: Intro to Interaction Design and Arduino/Max/Ableton Live

Unit 2: Tangible Computing, Soft Circuits and Exploring Wearables

Unit 3: Working with data streams and Types of Evaluations:

Unit 4: Developing a Performance Practice on an interactive system.