My projects are all in the areas of Creative Computing and Human-Centred AI. All projects involve programming (some more than others). No projects necessarily require musical knowledge or experience.

KEYWORDS
Explainable AI, Creative AI, Sonic Interaction Design, UX Design for Creativity, Iterative Prototyping of Novel Creative Interfaces, UX Evaluation, Music, Interaction, HCI, Visualisation

PROJECT TOPICS

• EXPLAINABLE AI FOR THE ARTS

  A key challenge for Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the opaqueness of the datasets and AI models used, especially neural nets, which make them very difficult for humans to understand. This project will explore how user interfaces for creative domains of AI use can be designed to be more transparent and understandable. It will question whether conventional approaches to designing explainable AI are suitable for creative applications of AI, and if not, what alternative approaches to explanation are appropriate for creative domains. This would involve the user-centred design and evaluation of interactive visualisations of explainable models of AI, and will focus specifically on creative AI and digital media. The student would need to have or to develop skills in AI and Machine Learning as well as some skills or interest in HCI user study techniques and visualisation design. Digital media skills are not necessary but would be advantageous.

• REIMAGINING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

  In 2019 I ran a workshop in China which focussed on the Duxianqin, a traditional a Solo String instrument popular in southern Guangxi and Vietnam, and explored the use of Digital Music Technology and Interaction Design to reimagine this one-stringed traditional instrument in a creative way. 3 reimagined Duxianqin were produced, and I have the augmented Duxianqin (Polyqin) here at QMUL. The project would involve co-design with musicians, rebuilding and expanding the digital elements of this reimagined instrument and testing it with musicians in their creative practice.
  See the webpage for the project

• VR FOR INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

  Project involves the co-design and evaluation of VR experiences in which users can interact with VR versions of traditional musical instruments in different interaction settings (e.g. museum vs. game-like setting). This project would involve building other traditional instruments and environments in VR and testing users' engagement with them to develop guidelines for the use of VR to increase access to, and engagement with, ICH.

• VISUALISING CREATIVITY

  Designing and evaluating interactive visualisations and data mining of patterns of human interaction with creativity support tools, e.g. in collaborative music making.

• COLLABORATIVE MUSIC MAKING

  Designing and evaluating collaborative music making interfaces e.g. online, or in VR, or physical interaction, or mixed reality.