The Adaptable Music Stand Development
Overview
As a final project for my Human Factors Methods course at Tufts University, I was tasked with developing either a product or device that could be used for either a small child (ages 5-11) or teenager (ages 11-19). As part of the project, we were asked to develop a 3D model of the product with an accompanying app with how to use the product. For my project, I decided to create a new music stand for student musicians. I called it “The Adaptable Music Stand”.
Currently, many students, especially those with large instruments, struggle with music stands as they can be inflexible and fall consistently. With my product, students are given more flexibility on where they can place the stand and which direction they want the stand to face. Additionally, they are provided with an application that holds pictures of the product, instructions for how to use it, and FAQs.
For this project I conducted a needs analysis, 3D modeled the product, and prototyped the associated application.
The full report can be viewed here.
Roles:
User Researcher
3D Model Designer
UI/UX Designer
Time:
10 Weeks
Methods:
Needs Analysis
3D Modeling
User Testing
Prototyping
Tools:
Qualtrics
AutoCAD
Inventor
Figma
Google Suite
Background
Music stands are incredibly helpful and necessary for playing music, but at times they can be frustrating. They can be clunky and stiff, but the biggest problem is the lack of horizontal mobility. Musicians (especially children) are required to uncomfortably pick up their stand when they need to move it horizontally which can be additionally irritating if they are using larger instruments. In addition, students in larger bands have less space to move their stand in general which makes the motion of picking them up and moving them more of a hassle.
Process
To start the development of this product, I first conducted a needs analysis through four methods:
Surveys
Interviews
Cognitive & Hierarchal Task Analysis
Anthropometrics, Biomechanics, & Musculoskeletal Concerns
These methods provided me a holistic approach to learning more about what these students would desire from a new music stand and how this tool can create tangible positive impacts on their experience playing music.
I developed a survey that was distributed to current middle and high school students that asked questions about their experience with their instruments and music stands. Similarly, I interviewed current students and through these methods gained valuable insights into their primary frustrations with current stands and their desires with a new one.
I also developed a cognitive & hierarchal task analysis to put myself in the shoes of the users. This method allowed me to take a step back while understanding the intricacies of the task.
Finally, I exmained average arm, hand, and finger size length in teenagers to get a base understanding of the average size this stand should be.
See below for pictures of the distributed survey and the cognitive & hierarchal task analysis.
Once I had all the information I needed through my needs analysis, I began the modeling of the stand. I designed the stand by having a button in the middle that users hold down to move the stand either horizontally or vertically. With this button, the user can move the stand horizontally by 12 inches. This features allows for flexibility in their setup and an ability to customize how they would like to play their music. When the students release the button, the stand will lock in place and students will be able to play their music.
The stand is designed for all musicians but especially benefits children ages 11-19 that play large instruments in larger band settings. These stands have a larger bottom to minimize uneven weight distribution.
See below pictures of the adaptable music stand model.
After completing the model, I shifted my focus to developing a mobile app aimed to help users get started with the product and make sure they are familiar with how it works. In order to accomplish this, I created various pages including a home, instructions, tool, and FAQ page. Additionally, I aimed to keep the app simple as to not overwhelm new users.
See below for pictures of the mobile application component and click here for an interactive prototype on Figma.
Summary
The Adaptable Music Stand will help various communities with their ability to play music easily and furthermore feel more focused in musical environments.
I gained valuable skills from this project including improved surveys and interviews, strong 3D modeling skills, and a better understanding of mobile UI/UX design.
I hope you enjoyed learning about my Adaptable Music Stand project. If you would like to hear more about this project, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!