DESIGNING INTUITIVE SOUND INTERFACES: A HUMAN-CENTRED APPROACH COMBINING PAPER AND PHYSICAL CONTROLS

This paper presents a novel system for designing synthesizer interfaces, focusing on a human-centred approach. It explores the challenges of traditional synthesizer interfaces and proposes a flexible system using paper prototypes enhanced with 3D-printed controls and webcam tracking. The system allows for intuitive manipulation of sound parameters through physical interaction with these elements, offering a low-cost and adaptable method for creating both conventional and experimental musical instrument interfaces. The system’s potential is illustrated through use cases involving the recreation of an analogue synthesizer interface and the control of a multi-channel auditory display. The research aims to bridge the gap between the technical complexity of sound synthesis and the creative expression of musicians.