As I was researching material to possibly use to create a lightweight, inexpensive physical computing -driven thumb piano, I came across this kit:
This got me thinking, that if I am looking to make an educational or even therapeutic thumb-piano, I should consider making a kit that can be made by my users and even adapted onto.
So what exactly am I trying to make here and why?
I want to make a digital cultural music-making kit, starting with the thumb-piano / mbira / kalimba. I feel that smaller African instruments are just as valid for teaching music as a piano. In addition, it can be a tool to teach coding, especially if I can map the sounds using the p5 sound library or processing sound library.
I also want it to be gesture-controlled for those using it for therapeutic purposes.
User Paths
User 1
- Parent or Caregiver that wants to teach African instruments to a child.
- Willing to use a kit or instructable
- Willing to download the app for the sound synthesis connected to this device
User 2
- A music lover that is into experimentation
- Is able to tinker with low-energy electronics
- looking for cultural references in music
- Wants to connect to African Culture
User 3
- An occupational therapist looking for tools to help with dexterity
- Is willing to make the kit with a patient
- Believes in music therapy
- Buys into the whole instructables idea
User 4
- Someone wanting to use the app only
- Wants to also mess around with gesture-controlled devices
- The device and the app instrument are the same object
User 5
- A person with limited mobility
- Looking to play music but does not have the muscle strength (I say this from personal experience)
- Enjoys music therapy
- Willing to connect to African culture
There are a few overlaps of course, but I think this is a starting user path for this tool.