Large-scale audience participation in live music using smartphones

We present a study and reflection about the role and use of smartphone technology for a large-scale musical performance involving audience participation. We evaluated a full design and development process from initial ideation to a final performance concept. We found that the smartphone became the design tool, the technical device and the musical instrument at the same time. As a technical device that uses ultrasound communication as interaction technique, the smartphone became inspirational for the artist's creative work. In aiming to support the artist, we observed pervasive importance of retaining artistic control to realise artistic intent. This concerns the co-design process and the resulting concept of audience participation and supports recommendations for such participatory work.