Beyond a Skeuomorphic Representation of Subtractive Synthesis

This proposition paper wants to raise the issue of design ideology within the field of music software that recreates vintage analogue synthesizers using subtractive synthesis. There is a clear dominance of a skeuomorphic design ideology regarding the Graphical User Interface (GUI) within this field. The suggested study aims to research if this is a correct choice in terms us usability, accessibility and intuitiveness. The suggestion is to conduct a series of A/B tests of custom prototype UIs on three predefined groups of users. Group A, with a previous knowledge of analogue hardware synthesizers, Group B, with a knowledge of music software but limited experience with analogue hardware synthesizers and finally Group C, with a limited knowledge and experience of both music software and analogue hardware synthesizers. The prototype GUIs will be made using a skeuomorphic design paradigm as well as a flat design paradigm that also incorporates a couple of new ideas in terms of input controls. The A/B tests will be complemented with semi-structured interviews with the participants. Author