Embodying Sustainability: Paving Opportunities for NIME Research

Xinran Chen; Iurii Kuzmin; Mela Bettega; Raul Masu

Image credit: Xinran Chen; Iurii Kuzmin; Mela Bettega; Raul Masu

• Format: oral
• Session: papers-4
• Paper PDF link
• Presence: in person
• Duration: 15
• Type: long

Abstract:

While sustainability has gained attention in NIME research, primarily focusing on instrument longevity and durability, the role musical interfaces play in promoting environmental awareness remains unexplored. This paper investigates how musical interfaces can foster sustainability through designing embodied experiences. We present a literature review that examines the integration of sustainability and embodiment in sonic interaction, in which we synthesize practical points on how sound, materials, data, and interactions can aesthetically support embodying sustainability. We further explore these concepts through a design case study. Our findings suggest that embodied musical experiences offer unique opportunities to cultivate environmental consciousness, contributing to a deeper understanding of sustainable musical interfaces relying on artistic expressions.