The standard viola is about as big as can conveniently be played under the chin.
Based on principles of instrument design she had observed in top-quality existing instruments, Hutchins designed a viola about 6 cm (2+1⁄2 in) longer than the regular viola, intended to be played vertically like a cello.
(Despite Hutchins's original intention, a few violists have played her viola horizontally.)
[3] The same design principle was used by Hutchins to design a complete family of eight stringed instruments, commonly called the violin octet, of which the vertical viola has been the most successful.
Hutchins's instrument has attracted admiration for its power and beauty of tone.