“​NEMI​: New Ergonomic Music Instrument” A bridge between the Human-Centred Design and Digital Music Instrument

Acoustic Instruments are commonly built-in shapes that emphasize their sound responses and frequently, neglect their ergonomics. This aspect is related to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and other musculoskeletal disorders in instrumentalists. In this work, we studied the ergonomics of these instruments using anthropometric measurements. These measurements were applied to design a new ergonomic digital instrument with improved usability. The instrument was designed focusing on avoiding uncomfortable and forced articulation positions for the musician. The instrument can play all the notes in the chromatic scale and has its own characteristic sound. This work shows the importance of ergonomics in Digital Musical Instruments (DMIs) design, and it could be a new piece in digital lutherie.