Date of Submission
11-2020
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Jodie Taylor
Associate Supervisor
Dr. Toby Wren
Keywords
Autism; Children’s Applications; Design Thinking; Emotions; Emotional Recognition; Educational Technology; Interactive Music-Making; Interaction Design; Mobile Applications; Music; Music Technology; My Music Time; Self-Expression; User Design; Wellbeing.
Audience
Mature (M) - moderate impact language/themes, includes violence/nudity, not restricted to 15+
Abstract
Music is a ubiquitous feature of everyday life; we soundtrack a range of activities from mundane tasks like shopping through to significant events like our wedding day. We have a deeply emotional connection to music across cultures, and music is highly influential in shaping emotions. Interacting with music has also shown to have excellent health and wellness benefits to participants and consumers alike.
This creative practice exegesis explores interactive music-making and, specifically, designing an interactive online application that aims to assist with emotional regulation and recognition while measuring how participants interacted with the application. Of particular interest was whether school-aged children would report a change in perceived mood and identifying patterns of interaction with the different musical elements. I utilised an overarching design thinking methodology to create this online application, supported by specific practical design frameworks for children and modern UX/UI design. This was underpinned by theories relating to the effect of music on emotions from research in music studies, psychology and commensurate disciplines, which all espouse the wellbeing benefits of musical interaction.
User data showed that most users (69%) reported a positive effect on their emotional state after interacting with the application, confirming current theories about the interaction with music and its role in supporting well-being. Further to this, through specific literature based on design principles for children, the project utilised interaction design and demonstrated effective engagement with its target group. Therefore, there is potential for further exploration and development of interactive platforms to engage with emotional wellbeing and mental health.
The significance of my project is the amalgamation of the theories of music and emotion and the practical design of an application that enables an interactive experience that supports emotional regulation and wellbeing and contributes to the understanding of innovative research in music and interactive technology.
Recommended Citation
Dreyer, J. (2020). My Music Time: Emotional Well-being Through Musical Play [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo.