A User Study on Electromagnetic Interactions with REBUS

In this paper, we describe a user study on human interaction with REBUS, a digital interactive system and compositional tool which radically innovates the 100 years old Theremin (based on measuring capacitance fluctuations), generating an electromagnetic field (EMF) that forms an immaterial interface which can be manipulated by the movement of the hands and the body. In our research, a preliminary approach to this kind of interaction was proposed through the first public workshop on REBUS, in order to test the ground for further considerations. Based on the feedback gathered during the workshop, we designed a user study in which 10 participants were asked to play the REBUS and then answer questions about their feelings regarding the interaction. We argue whether REBUS can be fully defined as a musical instrument and how the interaction with the EMF, upon which the action of REBUS relies, is perceived by people with different musical backgrounds.