SnoeSky and SonicDive - Design and Evaluation of Two Accessible Digital Musical Instruments for a SEN School

Abstract

Music technology can provide persons who experience physical and/or intellectual barriers using traditional musical instruments with a unique access to active music making. This applies particularly but not exclusively to the so-called group of people with physical and/or mental disabilities. This paper presents two Accessible Digital Musical Instruments (ADMIs) that were specifically designed for the students of a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school with a focus on intellectual disabilities. With SnoeSky, we present an interactive installation in form of a starry sky that integrates into the ceiling of a Snoezel-Room. Here, users can ’play’ with ’melodic constellations’ using a flashlight. SonicDive is an interactive installation that enables users to explore a complex water soundscape through their movement inside a ball pool. The underlying goal of both ADMIs is the promotion of self-efficacy experiences while stimulating the users’ relaxation and activation. This paper reports on the design process involving the users and their environment. In addition, it describes some details of the technical implementation of the ADMIs as well as first indices for their effectiveness.