THE ROLL-UP DIGITAL STEELPAN
Umesh Persad1*, Keivi Howard2 and Jorrel Bisnath3
1,2,3Design and Manufacturing Systems, San Fernando Campus
The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
1Email: umesh.persad@utt.edu.tt *(Corresponding author)
2Email: keivihoward@gmail.com
2Email: jorrel.bisnath@utt.edu.tt
Abstract:
The steelpan (steel drum) is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. Over the years, there have been various innovations in the design of the steelpan, including new electronic versions. This paper presents an addition to the family of digital steelpan instruments in the form of a low-cost roll-up digital steelpan (similar to a roll-up piano or roll-up drum kit). The idea as conceptualized is to have a flexible surface with solid steelpan notes following the traditional circle of fifths pattern. The playing surface could then easily roll up for transport and storage. The design of the roll-up digital steelpan is presented together with results on initial testing with musicians. Plans for further development of the product are also discussed.
Keywords: Steelpan, Innovation, Interaction Design, Product Development
https://doi.org/10.47412/OVHJ9183
