Human instruments

Overview

Human Instruments is an organization that researches designs and develops high-quality musical technology and instruments in collaboration with people with physical disabilities

Challenge

Research, design and develop musical instruments for people with physical disabilities in close collaboration with the British Paraorchestra, looking specifically at people with paralysis.

Process

We used the lean startup methodology, by turning ideas into products. We created partially functional prototypes to test with our target audience and gather feedback and insights to quickly loop in the next iteration.

Research
We gathered a better understanding of users’ constraints and requirements by talking with people with disabilities and experts in the field. We studied solutions already existing in the market, both within the music industry or not to understand common patterns of use, best practices, etc.

Explore
We ran usability and ergonomics studies and explore many different layouts of the keyboard and the mouth stick, which is used by the user to play.

Design
Based on the research and exploration findings, we started sketching and exploring different designs to prototype and test.

Validate
We have created fully functional prototypes to test with Clarence Adoo, a member of the British Paraorchestra, to validate and gather valuable inputs to improve the design.

The Solution

The device is designed with the user in mind and to meet the needs of this specific target group. The keynotes have to be easily accessible with the mouth stick from the front and they are divided and grouped into two rows to facilitate accessibility and reachability. The device can be adjusted in height and inclination through its articulated arm. The stiff arm design keeps the instrument in a stable position when played.