Place the controllers wherever you want: Usability and user experience of customisable musical devices

Abstract

The current study investigates how different types of multi-effects guitar devices can affect users' evaluations of usability and user experience. Participants were asked to interact with three different multi-effects devices while playing an electric guitar. Typically multi-effect pedalboards are used by musicians to modify an instrument sound. These tools allow us to distort notes or to change the duration of the produced sounds. The main difference between the three devices pertains to the placement of their controllers: fixed-pedals on the ground; movable-pedals on the ground; movable and wireless pedals that can be freely placed, at the discretion of the user (e.g., on the guitar, the user's body). The second and third devices were both prototypes designed and developed by the first author. Several usability dimensions (e.g., ease of use, enjoyment, etc.) were evaluated (i.e., ad hoc questionnaire). Besides the musical experience also the attitude towards novel technologies (i.e., personal innovativeness) was collected. Overall, the two prototypes appeared as easier to use and enjoyable compared to the fixed-pedals device. Furthermore, participants with high levels of personal innovativeness perceived the devices as more controllable. The opportunity of customizing the placement of the pedals positively affected the evaluations. The study outcomes lay the foundations for the implementation of new prototypes that could be tailored based on musicians' needs. The result will be an increment in usability and a more positive user experience.