Accessible Music Studio (aMuST) (2009)

Sponsored by INNOVATE UK (ex TSB) / Role: Named Researcher

waveformModern sound editors employ multi-function mixing and transport controls that rely heavily on visual displays for multi-track editing and production. This situation imposes severe limitations on the autonomy of visually impaired users within a field that could be a natural one for them, that of sound and music production. The AMuST project was a Technology Strategy Board (TSB) funded feasibility study which aimed to identify usability issues in current accessibility solutions, and ways in which they could be overcome through employment of novel interactive design techniques. This was achieved through an examination of state-of-the-art approaches to providing accessibility to mainstream sound editing tools, as well as through close interaction with experienced visually impaired and blind audio engineering practitioners.