What is actually meant by “interface design”?
The word “interface” has been used in various contexts in the sense of “controller”, “input device” or “control surface.”
In computer music, the terms “interface”, “controller” and “control surface” are sometimes used interchangeably. Conversely, in human-computer interaction (HCI), “interface” usually refers to the software interface, i.e. the use of windows, icons, etc. and “input device” refers to the hardware device with which the user inputs data to, or interacts with, the system.
In the context of digital musical instruments, a “gestural controller” or “gestural interface,” represents the part of a digital musical instrument where physical contact with the device takes place. “Interface Design” thus follows to mean the design of this contact area.
Various papers and PhD theses have been proposed on the design of digital musical instruments, more specifically on controller design, some of which are referenced below.
It is important to note that the literature presented here sometimes has contradictions on design approaches. Some contributions stress the role of creativity and experimentation as the sole to allow an interesting design while others try to examine similar situations in other domains (human-computer interaction, engineering, etc.) and describe the possibilities of adapting design methodologies from other fields.
It is up to the reader to choose her/his approach.
To start with: