Bishop BoomBox: A Physically Accessible Drum Machine

This paper presents the design, aesthetic considerations, and technical details of the Bishop BoomBox, an innovative physically accessible drum machine and sequencer inspired by classic drum machines, golden-era Hip-Hop culture, and chess. The BBB features an 8-step, 4-track sequencer, with steps triggered through physical touch or the placement of custom high-capacitance "chess'' pieces, which trigger capacitive sensors monitored by a Bela microcontroller. It provides volume, swing, tempo, and recording controls housed in a movable module. The BBB contains a rechargeable LiPo battery, detachable magnetic monitoring speakers, three-way toggles for per-track sample selection, and a custom stand designed to attach the device to the player's power wheelchair securely. The BBB was co-designed through 10 collaborative co-design sessions. Drawing influence from Crip kinship, Disabled joy and the aesthetics and poetics of interaction were emphasized as key design metrics, challenging conventional Disability design norms that have tended to focus on utility and usability.