Gesture Mapping

Complexity / Transparency

An entirely transparent

• Feedback
• Complexity to stimulate creativity
• Transparency to keep link between input and resulting sound (otherwise, danger of loosing the audience)

Mapping function

A mapping function transforms the input gesture to the output sound.

One to One

Each gesture / input is mapped directly to one output. Clear and simple. Not terribly exciting.

One to Many

One input controls multiple outputs. Higher level control but less control over details. Powerful.

Many to One

Many inputs coupled to produce one musical parameter. Allows for greater expressive control and mastery. Finer degree of control. (e.g. Frequency and Detune knob).

Indeterminacy

Non-linear, non-deterministic control can add intrigue and interest to your interface, but too much of it will make the interface feel arbitrary and non-responsive.

Levels of indeterminacy

• Control vs. randomness (interactive improvisation)
• Total pre-determinacy: push play -> deterministic output.
• Total indeterminacy: random machines.

Continuous vs. discrete control

• Micro- to macro-level control: sound spectrum to details of articulation to overall structure

DIMENSIONS

Dimensionality and parameterization are important concepts for interactive music. Often times users are given an interaction an a specific dimension. The higher-level the dimension (i.e. “energy” vs “loudness”, “dance-ability” vs “tempo”), the more engaging and approachable the interaction.