A Responsive User Body Suit (RUBS)

We describe the Responsive User Body Suit (RUBS), a tactile instrument worn by performers that allows the generation and manipulation of audio output using touch triggers. The RUBS system is a responsive interface between organic touch and electronic audio, intimately located on the performer's body. This system offers an entry point into a more intuitive method of music performance. A short overview of body instrument philosophy and related work is followed by the development and implementation process of the RUBS as both an interface and performance instrument. Lastly, observations, design challenges and future goals are discussed.