Chance Trigger - 8 Channel Probability Based Sequencer
The Chance Trigger has undergone 2 key stages of testing, with internal mechanics testing alongside overall customer testing. The mechanical testing occurred during the development stages evaluating the key functions within the device and how well they worked. The consumer testing allows feedback to be created on the device, providing an insight into the application of the product within the industry, and the manner in which it will be accepted.
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The data collection took place using questionnaires that rely upon the Quality of Service assessment, this explores various key technical factors of the device, in order to create an overall assessment on the device and its positives and negatives. The questionnaires cause quantitative data to be created, however optional qualitative feedback has enabled more personal feedback and information to be obtained as well. The testing involved members of the public, students, academic staff alongside musicians, producers, programmers and testers.
The testing ensures to evaluate people's ability and experience with music, this enables analysis to take place upon the correlation between musical ability and their interaction with the sequencer device. The sample involved a range of differing experiences providing an insight into how the Chance Trigger will be utilised by a range of people. Ease of use is a significant factor surrounding the device due to the desired market of people ranging in abilities and experience with music production. The mean average experience rating was 2.93, just below the middle level of experience, with participants abilities ranging from 1-5. The mean average ease of use rating was 4.32, with a positive correlation between participants with lower experience finding the device easy to use. One of the key ideas surrounding the device was making complex rhythms accessible to beginners as well as audio professionals.
Positive enjoyment and limited frustration when operating the device helps to ensure that the device's application will be maximized. The device aims to have consistent use within music production, the level of enjoyment is very important due to being instant an instant reflection upon the interaction with the device. Using a sample with ranging experience's enables multiple reflections to take place upon the device. Those with greater musical experience may tend to focus upon the output of the device, with less experienced people commenting on their raw enjoyment of using the device (Brooks and Hestnes 2010). Enjoyment had a mean average of 4.22, being a consistently positive rating with a range of 2.
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The primary function of the device was to create complex patterns, and consequently obtaining positive results for effective pattern creation was desired for the device to be true to its purpose and design. The mean average was 4.38 second only to the stability with a rating of 4.59, however stability is something that is expected to be at a high standard and was desired to be the highest rating.
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Overall satisfaction is calculated by creating the mean average of the seven individual ratings per participant. Each point on the graph is a participants overall satisfaction rating, with 18 out of the 22 participants having a rating between 4-5, with no participants below 3.64.
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Summary
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The device successfully completed its main function at creating complex patterns, with testers identifying its ability and benefits within a musical production environment, alongside the number of practical uses it has. People of differing musical experience and abilities managed to operate the device efficiently due to its ease of use and simple GUI. People had limited frustration when working with the device, with enjoyment being created when using the device.
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Future Developments
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I am planning on releasing a second version of the device, following feedback and further consideration there are additions that could benefit the device. I aim to introduce further probability variations by randomly altering velocity and having an option to add shuffle. Following my research upon generative music ideas I will look into developing technology that reduces the musical input, giving property and identity to devices for use within music production. I hope to develop more midi effects, relying more upon the extensive capabilities and benefits of using a computer.
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Download Device here: http://www.maxforlive.com/library/device.php?id=4931