Adding an Easy "Search" Option in a Music Player Using a Capacitive Touch Interface

User interfaces are important from the view point of ergonomics and user-friendliness. In this paper, we describe a user interface for a music player that can be used by both normal users as well as those who may be visually challenged. We explain how a simple "search" option can be added to enhance the listening experience without significant addition to the hardware resources. Our solution is based on the low-cost "launchpad" learning kit for the MSP430 micro controller from Texas Instruments and the associated capacitive sense booster pack for creating a user-interface. The audio booster pack (ABP) for the MSP430 launchpad was used as the music player.