Exploring a Design Space by Prototyping a Gesture-Controlled Augmentation of an Operatic Lead Part.
Ludvig Elblaus · 2012
Exploring a design space by prototyping a gesture-controlled augmentation of an operatic lead partLudvig ElblausThis thesis describes a design process where a prototype of an artifact for gesturally controlled signal processing of an operatic voice was constructed. The artifact was to be used in an opera that was being written at the time of the thesis work, portraying the historical character Joseph Merrick, more commonly known as the Elephant Man. The goal of the thesis work was to get to proof of concept where the core functionality of the artifact was sufficiently explored, so as to be certain that it would support the artistic process of both composing and performing the opera. The work was done together with the composer of the opera, Carl Unander-Scharin and through use of the design methodology of participatory design, whereby he became an involved participant in the design process. Several prototypes were constructed and evaluated. The main tools used for construction were the Arduino micro controller, pressure sensors, flex sensors, and the SuperCollider programming language. One concert test was performed in the middle of the design process, and the last prototype was tested both by the composer himself, and by the singer that was to play the role of Merrick in the opera.