Research
Traditional Midi-Keyboard:
During my own experiences of writing and recording music at 'demo' level, I have often been in the position where a midi keyboard has been one of the few tools available.
The theory behind the average midi keyboard is that the user assigns a digital instrument to the device via an on-screen control panel, often built into digital recording software.
Image from 'FutureMusic.com'
From the perspective of the accomplished musician, such a device offers access to a large amount of instruments using just the click of a mouse. However, from the perspective of a beginner, just starting to write thier own brand of unique music, a large selection of keys in front of them can be daunting, especially if the user has little knowledge of musical scales and melody writing.
The majority of the devices on the market offer physical dials and sliders attached to the controller that can be assigned different parameters via the on screen interface. Although these dials offer a lot of different way to interact with the sound and alter it as suited, the beginning user is still isolated from the traditional aspects of creating music that essentially make up the structure of a piece of melodic music.
The generic midi-keyboard is designed to be played on a flat surface, ideally a table or mounted on keyboard stand in close proximity to the on screen interface. With my final design I aim to take the midi keyboard of the desk, and put it in positions that musicians are more comfortable with depending on thier musical training.
Similar Devices:
As well as looking at existing devices that are readily available on the market, I also looked into projects currently in development. Below is an example of a project that I have taken inspiration from: