Week 15 - User testing and tech update

Technological Aspect

after having multiple issues with the MIDI library on the ESP that coded a major set back to the developing prosses - after a long session with Zvika and after checking multiple architectures for the product (such as developing everything on a web platform or trying to implement a lot of it with patches from a lot of different libraries) we ended on choosing the following roadmap:

1. This week we will build a data structure that will facilitate a loop that is represented by a serial sequence, that can be sent over a simple String message.

2. create a NODE-RED server that hosts the MQTT communication between 2 clients and send and receive a loop

3. play the loops with a single tone() - very simple to use, single-frequency note not very present. this tone can be later replaced with a brad MP3 library of sounds. for now, we decided to ditch the MIDI protocol, since we couldn't make an ESP with an I2S amplifier to play MIDI (and we tried almost everything).

4. after steps 1-3 will work we will iterate over latency and timing issues and try to make a better sound experience.

User Testing

This week we tested the prototype we build (Arduino connecting to the computer that simulates the experience of looping with friends. Since we couldn't do it over the net yet, we got together and imitated a game in which every player sits alone in the room and play the song.

(we shoot the video with a GoPro that we set up over the computer so we have a full view of everything - it got a bit crooked)

We also imitated a full game for a single player standpoint (making her driving the loops from her friend so she can add her loop in her turn)

The feedback:

1. playing some notes before the game starts help take the pressure off the game

2. Do-overs are imprudent, not everybody does good in the first try and have a few chances before "publishing" the loop is important.

3. It's hard telling when the loops start, having an indicator like a count down (digit that indicates 3..2...1 can do the trick).

4. duration - 4 bars is the optimal length of the loop (we tested 3 bars that were too short and 5 bars felt a bit tedious).

5. The order of the instruments that play is important (drum then rhythmic instruments then lead).

6. More than one round (or over 4 instruments) can cause a bit of musical mayhem.

7. Pre-recorded drums can help the "less musical" groups start (keeps a tempo) but it is not a must.

Screens Mockups