Cross-Pollinating Ecological Perspectives in ADMI Design and Evaluation

Abstract

This paper explores ecological perspectives of human activity in the use of digital musical instruments and assistive technology. While such perspectives are relatively nascent in DMI design and evaluation, ecological frameworks have a long-standing foundation in occupational therapy and the design of assistive technology products and services. Informed by two case studies, the authors' critique, compare and marry concepts from each domain to guide future research into accessible music technology. The authors discover that ecological frameworks used by occupational therapists are helpful in describing the nature of individual impairment, disability and situated context. However, such frameworks seemingly flounder when attempting to describe the personal value of music-making.