HarmonicThreads: a formative evaluation of a fabric-based digital musical instrument toward inclusive music-making

The research introduces HarmonicThreads, a prototype fabric-based digital musical instrument designed to facilitate inclusive music-making. This instrument leverages tactile interfaces, fabric deformation, projected visuals, and assisted accompaniment to support participation across diverse physical abilities and musical backgrounds, offering an alternative to conventional rigid or screen-based digital instruments.

Why it matters

This development highlights the growing strategic importance of designing technologies that cater to diverse user needs and abilities, particularly in fields like education, arts, and therapy. It signals a shift towards more inclusive design principles that can broaden participation and engagement across various societal groups.

Key insights

• Inclusive music-making necessitates instruments accommodating varied physical abilities, musical experience levels, and forms of participation.
• Digital musical instruments offer diverse approaches to sound creation, addressing different user needs.
• Fabric-based interfaces provide an alternative, tactile interaction modality distinct from rigid or screen-based controllers.
• HarmonicThreads is a prototype exploring how tactile cues, fabric deformation, projected visual feedback, and assisted accompaniment can support low-barrier engagement.
• The deformable and tactile properties of fabric interfaces may offer inclusive possibilities in specific contexts, particularly for users who benefit from alternative interaction methods.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1894115