Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of visual cues on awareness, in two distributed collaborative environments especially music live coding. A controlled online experiment study was conducted to investigate the effects of several visual cues such as colour coding, pop-up boxes, animation and annotation on varying levels of awareness. The principal aim of this empirical study is to provide a single starting point for designers of creative coding online interfaces such as browser-based music live coding interfaces to turn to when building for collaboration and workspace awareness in these interfaces. This research thoroughly examines the current state of the art of awareness within the wider realm of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW). It also highlights the issue with awareness including the lack of a consensus on awareness, a means of evaluating awareness and the awareness information related to live coding interactions CMLC designers are unaware of and should consider when designing New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME).12 participants were examined on their levels of awareness in a distributed synchronous music live coding activity. This improvisational activity involved a YouTube API-based medley composition in which participants wrote code simulating a live coding practice. Findings suggest that colour coding is an effective visual cue for authorship awareness. Contrary to initial expectations, pop-up boxes did not promote mirroring behaviour but rather reduced awareness and negatively impacted cognition. Animations proved beneficial for tracking changes and staying aware of the workspace with real-time updates. Recommendations are provided to CSCW designers to optimize visual cues for enhancing awareness in music live coding and general non-musical distributed browser-based synchronous activities.
| Date of Award | 16 Sept 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Ian Gibson (Main Supervisor) & Alex Harker (Co-Supervisor) |