Curriculum
Computer Science and Innovation for Societal Challenges, XXXVII series 
Grant sponsor
Officine On/Off, PON
Supervisor

Antonio Rodà
Co-Supervisor
s
Massimo Grassi, Raul Manu (ext)

Project: Toward sustainable practices in networked musical devices: theoretical and practical insights
Full text of the dissertation book can be downloaded from: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3553721

Abstract: Sustainability is a pressing issue at the forefront of contemporary global discourse, demanding innovative solutions across various disciplines. This PhD thesis investigates sustainable practices in the design of networked digital musical devices and Instruments (DMIs) through a Research Through Design (RtD) methodology. The study seeks to develop actionable strategies to foster sustainability in this niche field, addressing challenges at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Musical Instruments (DMIs), and the Internet of Musical Things (IoMusT). The thesis begins with an extensive literature review to establish the theoretical foundation, analyzing environmental, social, and technological dimensions of sustainability and identifying research gaps. Building on this analysis, a theoretical framework is proposed to guide the development of sustainable IoMusT practices. This framework is further refined into a two-dimensional model, prioritizing longevity and solidity as essential attributes for sustainability. The model also introduces nine sustainable design practices tailored for digital musical instrument production. Practical validation of the framework is achieved through a series of case studies. The first case study demonstrates the potential of Free/Libre and Open-Source Software (FLOSS) to enhance transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in digital musical instrument design. The second investigates small-scale production methods that minimize environmental impact while maintaining feasibility. The third addresses social inclusion by designing a bespoke musical interface for an artist with special needs, emphasizing context-sensitive solutions. Each case study is analyzed using the proposed two-dimensional model, yielding insights into both successes and limitations. Expanding from individual projects, the thesis assesses the framework's broader applicability through community-based studies involving workshops, mentoring, and collaborative initiatives. These activities reveal the adaptability of the proposed strategies and highlight critical factors for fostering sustainability in collective digital musical instrument practices. The findings of this research contribute a comprehensive framework and actionable strategies for sustainable digital musical instrument design, bridging theoretical insights and practical applications. The study concludes with reflections on the broader implications of sustainability in digital musical instrument design, including challenges in embedding sustainable practices into daily workflows and the potential for further exploration with diverse cultural perspectives and long-term studies. This work underscores the necessity of ongoing research and interdisciplinary dialogue to address the evolving complexities of sustainability in interactive music technologies.