Magnet-Based Around Device Interaction for Playful Music Composition and Gaming

Around Device Interaction (ADI) has expanded the interaction space on mobile devices to allow 3D gesture interaction around the device. In this paper, we look specifically at magnetbased ADI and its applied use in a playful, music-related context. Using three musical applications developed under the magnet-based ADI paradigm (Air Disc-Jockey, Air Guitar, Air GuitaRhythm), we investigate whether the magnet-based ADI paradigm can be effectively used to support playful music composition and gaming on mobile devices. Based on results from a controlled user study (usability and user experience questionnaire responses, users’ direct feedback, and video observations), we 1) showed how magnet-based ADI can be effectively used to create natural, playful and creative mobile music interactions amongst both musically-trained and non-musically trained users and 2) distilled magnet-based ADI design considerations to optimize playful and creative music interactions in today’s smartphones.