Design Research into Music Therapy
Design Research into products for Music Therapists and Therapy
Industrial Design & Music Therapy
Loughborough University undergraduatesIndustrial design is as much concerned with problem-finding as it is with problem-solving and so the Finalists on Loughborough University’s Industrial Design and Technology undergraduate programmes are well-equipped to make inroads in this design area. The student projects displayed here are seeking to give concrete expression to ways in which design can support music therapy.
These projects will reach their conclusions with ‘one-off’ prototypes that will be evaluated and displayed at the 2009 Degree Show. Making such designs generally available to music therapists will depend on achieving the next step: some form of ‘commercialisation’. Otherwise the prototypes will continue to represent interesting design ideas and their construction will remain relatively expensive.
All the students will have considered designing as inclusively as possible and maximising their market in order to give their ideas the best possible chance. Any feedback or offers of support in taking the next steps will be very welcome.
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Alex Baker
Project: Digital FluteAimed at: Musicians, Schools, Education
Description: The digital flute aims to create music that is not constrained to the fixed physics, mechanics and timbre of traditional instruments. Instead it aims to use new technology to adapt the way that in which is played to suit the sound that it produces. This enables a musician to produce a wide range of sounds and timbres in one professional, electronic instrument. For example, with the two halves together the flute behaves very much like its traditional counterpart; blowing across the device controls the velocity and duration of a note while touch sensitive buttons along the surface control the pitch. However, when pulled apart the internal accelerometers capture movement and gesture which can be used to play a whole range of sounds through and expression.
While not explicitly marketed at music therapy, the concept is very well suited to users with limited hand movement and hand control as the instrument is capable of capturing whole arm movement through the motion sensors, not just the more intricate touch sensitive movements of the buttons. The instrument can even be set to control sound just by being blown for users with no hand movement at all!
An ideal situation for music therapy would be in a mixed ability classroom in which there are children with both full finger movement and children with limited finger movement. Although all the pupils have the same instrument and there is no feeling of being left out, one group can use the flute together to play a clarinet, flute or even recorder sound while the other group can use the flute split into two halves to add percussion.
Adam Lorrimer-Roberts
Project: A group based revolving xylophoneAimed at: Children 3-10yr olds
Description: The Group musical instrument is an innovative instrument that is based on the principle of team work and group musical harmony. The product is suited, but not exclusive, to music therapy and children in the autism umbrella and encourages communication and interaction between its members. The first child (or a supervisor, music therapist, parent etc.) turns the 'turning platform' using the large green silicon grip with their finger tips which smoothly turns the other platforms. Two children sit in front of the revolving platforms and are offered, in effect, a rotating xylophone with metal stainless steel notes. Due to the rotating of the notes it is very easy to simply hold a beater in the same place and drag it across all 8 surfaces, creating a chromatic scale that is in tune with the notes of the other platform. Alternatively, individual notes can be played like a normal Xylophone and melodies created.
The instrument can be packed away into a case for storage and transportation and is clear as to look as appealing as possible when not being used. The case also acts as a platform for the instrument to be played on, maximising its practicality and ensuring it doesn't create clutter when it is in use.
The instrument has the flexibility of being able to be used on a table top or on the floor and can be used outside providing a flat surface is available which gives it the opportunity to be used in different environments. Teachers in schools could set up the instrument on a dedicated 'music' table in a classroom and honor its use as a reward for good behavior, or music therapists could use it on the floor with younger children who might find sitting at a table too formal.
Johnny Townson
Project: A Multi-Sensory Acoustic InstrumentAimed at: Music Therapy sessions and nurseries/primary schools
Description: The product is a multi sensory acoustic instrument aimed, primarily, for use in music therapy sessions. Utilising a number of different percussion instruments, the product evokes the three main senses; light, sound and touch. Taking the form of a turtle, the child is provided with a fun, interesting and educational alternative to other acoustic instruments on the market.
Boomwhackers, resembling the turtle’s tummy, can be removed as a xylophone or played individually, and attach to the shell via two small Velcro pads. The shell itself holds an ocean drum, and, when squeezed, the head produces a fun sound. The turtle’s legs and eyes, once removed, become various sounding rainmakers and shakers and, using sound activated electronics, light up as they are played.
The product is made from a semi-soft rubber silicone material, providing a fun, squidgy, tangible texture for the child, whilst being safe and able to withstand being dropped or thrown. The shell is also tiled with smooth velvet material to further enhance the element of touch. The body parts all fit together easily and securely, making storage and transport stress-free.
Although intended for music therapy clients, the product can also be used in nurseries and primary schools, and is very effective with blind and deaf children. It can function in large groups, or be used individually, with up to 13 different possible sounds.
Martin Yates
Project: Ptl - Inclusive Electronic Music Therapy InstrumentAimed at: Music Therapy and Mother/Toddler groups
Description: Ptl is an attractive, developmental, electronic musical toy that can be used in Music Therapy sessions as well as untrained groups such as Mother/Toddler groups. In the form of a flower, Ptl uses multiple sensory feedback such as touch, sound and sight to engage the users. The Petal input devices are made from soft silicone, and can be activated easily. Using the 5 wireless Petal devices, users can choose from a selection of activity types. These include:
Turn-based indicative song recital: Lights inside the individual petals illuminate in turn. That petal is then pressed and the next note/melody of the song is played from the central flower unit. This continues until the song is completed, when it then repeats.
Non-indicative recital: Similar to above, but without the indication of the lights from inside the Petals. Any Petal can be activated at any time, to play the notes/chords of a selected song. This mode is good for developmental recital and for users that may become frustrated waiting for their turn.
Free-mode: In this mode there is no structure to the music played, and the Petals effectively become like the keys of a keyboard, each with its own note/chord/sound. Custom sounds can be used from the expandable USB slot.
Megan Ainsworth
Project: The JellyGlowAimed at: Children, aged 4 to 8, with verbal communication learning difficulties (specifically autism
Description: The JellyGlow is an Interactive Sensory device that aims to Encourage Communication between Autistic children and therapists. This intriguing multi-sensory product is designed to enhance a classroom environment and entice children who struggle to communication verbally, encouraging them to interact and communicate through non-verbal means. The idea is to use the JellyGlow as a focal point to draw the child in and captivate their attention through the use of sensory stimulation allowing for an activity or communication to be established.
The JellyGlow emits a soft ‘glow’ of colour changing light helping to attract the child’s attention and draw them over towards the product. Its jellyfish-like form provides the JellyGlow with an approachable appeal and is also a very inclusive shape, encouraging the children to face one another whilst interacting with it. This aims to promote communication between the users, a challenging task that autistic children in particular find very difficult.
Once captivated by the mesmerising lights and unique product form, the child can interact and play with the various different, unusual and fascinating sensory stimuli attached to its’ surface. Once their attention has been established, their interaction with the stimuli can be mimicked by the therapist or professional, who would interact with a copy of the same stimuli the child was using. This allows the child to understand that others can achieve the same results by interacting with a similar object to them and facilitates non-verbal communication by encouraging the child to make the connection between the action they are undertaking, and the action the therapist is undertaking.
The JellyGlow is an effective visual stimulus both on its own and with the sensory stimuli attached. The stimuli can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual, depending on specific difficulties or challenges they might face.
A Contribution?
You can make a contribution to the project or comment by contacting Liz Norman via email. Please refer to the PDF overview of the project prior to contacting the research group.
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