Visually-Led Design for Gestural Audiovisual Instruments

In this paper we present our visually-led design method for creating gestural mappings in a new audiovisual percussion work titled Cymbalism. Unlike most audiovisual works, Cymbalism was inspired by the creation of a series of interactive visual scenes that respond to the performer's real-time movements. In leading with the visual interaction, we discuss how this approach fostered a union between the physical, audio and visual elements of the work, creating a performance where the visualisation is not simply a feedback mechanism but fundamental in inspiring compositional concepts and new ways of interacting with sound. Through practice-based research, we use the insights gained through creative development and performance outcomes to guide the continued evolution of an established wearable gestural DMI.