Something New for the Max/MSP Community

A couple of years ago I found myself trying to merge my different interests into a Max project. Like many Max folks, I tinker with the technology. I experiment. I have a number of possibly strange projects since the technology can be very opened at times.

I found myself asking, "Can I create experiences that focus on interaction and user interfaces?" It turned out I could.

I've used Max for VJing and projection design work. I've used it for music and MIDI processing. However, this other approach allowed me to merge my interests of user interface and interaction design--two subjects I teach.

So I created some experiments with the intention telling others, "Did you know you can do this in Max?" That's how I arrived here.

With that in mind, I've decided to put together this course on the subject but I still need some insight from the community.

Here are my thoughts and insights:

• Not every Max user will be interested in learning design theory

• Not every Max user will be interested in learning a separate tool like Figma (design software)

Here's a Venn Diagram (an intentionally mediocre diagram)

My experience so far

I've held a few small workshops on the subject and people expressed interest in the results but a focus on design may have felt outside their wheelhouse. Then some participants wanted to create interfaces exclusively in JSUI and some participants seemed to view Figma as an extraneous hurdle.

I've opted to use Figma for a few reasons.

1. It's potentially a faster alternative to programming an interface (the JSUI object)

2. It provides some visual options that are faster to produce over coding.

3. It works well in conjunction with JSUI. In other words, I will demonstrate workflows that integrate graphic files with programmed interfaces.

What will this course be?

This course is called Interaction Design in Max/MSP with Figma and it will be available during the summer of 2024. So far the course structure covers the required Max concepts, JSUI basics, design theory, and Figma. I'd love to know your thoughts on this?

Questions:

• What sort of projects do you hope to create?

• Are you interested in design theory and visual communication?

Examples