Investigating the effects of introducing nonlinear dynamical processes into digital musical interfaces

This paper presents the results of a study that explores the effects of including nonlinear dynamical processes in the design of digital musical interfaces. Participants of varying musical backgrounds engaged with a range of representative systems, and their behaviours, responses and attitudes were recorded and analysed. The study suggests links between the inclusion of such processes and the affordance of exploration and serendipitous discovery. Relationships between musical instruments and nonlinear dynamics are discussed more broadly, in the context of both acoustic and electronic musical tools. Links between the properties of nonlinear dynamical systems and the priorities of experimental musicians are highlighted and related to the findings of the study.

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