Tangible User Interfaces - Fall 2011

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This paper is available for download at http://artfordorks.com/download/TUIFinal.pdf

Abstract:

As music formats have transitioned from physical forms such as the LP, tape and CDs to digital formats like mp3’s, aspects of creative expression and aesthetic experience have been sacrificed for the benefit of reduced cost and ease of transferability. This transition is particularly evident in the process of sharing music between friends or curating a playlist for another user. In this paper, we ask the question of how one can leverage the benefits of digital audio formats with the emotional and creative significant of physical formats and introduce the design of a wearable mix tape. The design we propose connects a wearable music-playing garment with plug-and-play buttons that map to individual music tracks. This design focuses attention on the social aspects of music sharing and listening, paying particular attention to aspects of creative expression and the sentimental attachments to music objects.