QWERTYBeats: an accessible interface for rhythm

Ethan HeinDesign for the Real World

Michelle, age 15• Enjoys music, but has little experience participating

in it, and no formal training• Has limited vision, along with some additional motor

and cognitive challenges• Has access to internet-connected mobile devices

and/or desktop computers both in her music classroom, and at home

Goals:• Enable her to jam in class• Help her explore rhythmic ideas that she can transfer

to hand percussion or other instruments later• Enable her to make music without disturbing other

family membersCognitive skills required:▪ Memory and attention▪ Enough motor skill to find particular keys - precise

timing not necessary

User persona:high-functioning student

Desktop - Welcome

Procedurally generated graphics/text not visible to screen reader

Visible to screen readerDesktop - Perform

Text visible to screen reader

Screen reader:"Play this sound"

Screen reader: "Record a new sound"

Screen reader: "Upload a new sound"

Desktop - Sampler

Screen reader reads this text

Desktop - Record

Desktop - KitsAll text visible to screen reader

Text visible to screen readerMobile - Perform

Procedurally generated graphics/text not visible to screen reader

Text visible to screen reader

Screen reader:"Play this sound"

Screen reader: "Record a new sound"

Screen reader: "Perform"

Mobile - Sampler

Perform - eight sounds

Sampler - eight sounds

Playable Ableton prototype

Ableton prototype - eight sounds

GarageBand - musical typing

The aQWERTYon

Propellerhead Figure

Ableton Push