Examining the Effects of Embedded Vibrotactile Feedback on the Feel of a Digital Musical Instrument

This paper deals with the effects of integrated vibrotactile feedback on the "feel" of a digital musical instrument(DMI). Building on previous work developing a DMI withintegrated vibrotactile feedback actuators, we discuss howto produce instrument-like vibrations, compare these simulated vibrations with those produced by an acoustic instrument and examine how the integration of this feedbackeffects performer ratings of the instrument. We found thatintegrated vibrotactile feedback resulted in an increase inperformer engagement with the instrument, but resulted ina reduction in the perceived control of the instrument. Wediscuss these results and their implications for the design ofnew digital musical instruments.