Design and trial evaluation of the user interface for MusicReader

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the design and trial results of MusicReader, a networked application realizing sheet music related services for supporting rehearsals and performances of orchestras and ensembles. To this end, MusicReader presents sheet music on computer screens and supports annotations, sheet music retrieval, and sheet music management and library functionalities. MusicReader thus replaces traditional paper based sheet music, and provides additional functionality made possible as a result of adopting ICT. Our focus here is on the Human Computer Interaction aspects of MusicReader. The design of the interface supports various input devices such as digitized pen and touch screen, and uses a mixture of interaction modes and styles. The design presented in this paper, is based on a pre-trial evaluation among the envisioned target user group, and has been implemented. The interface design has been validated in rehearsal and performance trials. The results demonstrate the viability of the system and interface and give directions for future improvements.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Graphical user interfaces (GUI)

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen); User-centered design; Prototyping; Screen design (e.g., text, graphics, color); Interaction styles (e.g., commands, menus, forms, direct manipulation)

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors, Verification

Keywords:
digital music stand, pen, sheet music, tablet pc, touch