Using massMobile, a flexible, scalable, rapid prototyping audience participation framework, in large-scale live musical performances

Abstract

massMobile is a client–server system for mass audience participation in live musical performances using existing wireless network infrastructure, audience members' own mobile computing devices (such as smartphones) and a cloud-based server to enable rapid prototyping, iterative design, and plug and play deployment of participatory systems under constraints common to live events and venues. In this paper, we specifically focus on technical and design issues related to large-scale participatory performances, exploring (a) what technical designs provide robust support; (b) what interfaces and mappings can be effective and (c) what strategies can effectively focus and guide participation. We first briefly address previous work in audience participation in live performance, then describe massMobile's system design and implementation with a focus on new functionality to support robust use at scale. Finally, we discuss two sets of events using massMobile in large-scale performance contexts: with an athletic band at sporting events and with a jazz combo in traditional concert venues.