The development of an interactive learning device for playing the piano

Abstract: The Swedish industrial design agency People People has a vision, they want to make people mastering the piano by projecting guiding light onto the keys. The light plays along to the music, teaching the user in what order to press the keys. Their first design brief was the starting point of this master thesis. The aim was to investigate potential technologies for the product considering both user experience and interaction aspects as well as software related issues.The development process is described divided into thee main parts, the development of technology, hardware and software. Each part had to be developed simultaneously because of their close relation and the short time frame. The two investigated technology concepts, DLP projector and Galvanometer scanner, were tested by users in two prototypes. The majority of the users preferred the DLP projector since the Galvanometer scanner used lasers that were flickering which caused uncomfort to the eyes.A prototype software was developed in order to project the sequence of light onto the correct key according to the music. The most critical remaining issue is to present the graphic and music without latency. The software proved that it is possible to convert a MIDI -file (Musical Instrument Digital Interface ) into a projection of the correct sequence onto the keys.The device has to be mounted about 700 mm above the piano in order to project onto 4 octaves, a size about half of the piano. An important requirement was adaptability to different piano models. This requirement resulted in a hardware design development. Multiple iterations and design-sessions at the design agency resulted in a device adaptable in both height and length to be used with both vertical pianos and keyboards. The concept has been brought to the next phase of connecting manufacturers and develop a fully functioning prototype. The necessary decisions that are left regards how to form a product strategy. Both of the technology concepts are feasible, the best one to go for is determined by what kind of product the agency wants to produce. The DLP projector is a high tech product with a lot of possibilities for user interaction but it is more costly than the Galvanometer scanner. The Galvanometer is a minimum viable product possible to produce to a very low cost. In order for the agency to take the next step, an action plan is presented that can be used in the communication with possible partners.