The Vodhran - Design and Development of a Virtual Instrument

This paper introduces a subtle interface, which evolved from the design of an alternative gestural controller in the development of a performance interface. The conceptual idea used is based on that of the traditional Bodhran instrument, an Irish frame drum. The design process was user-centered and involved professional Bodhran players and through prototyping and user-testing the resulting Vodhran (Virtual Bodhran) emerged. The system is a joint hardware and software system, utilising a Polhemus Fastrak motion-tracking system, coupled with specially created drivers, and sound models. This system has been developed as part of the Sounding Object (SOb) project, which is part of the Disappearing Computer proactive initiative of the IST Future and Emerging Technologies.