Engaging Industrial Designers With Music Therapy

Authors

  • Liz Norman BMus, MA
  • Eddie Norman MA, MSc, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v3i3.368

Abstract

This article notes current practice concerning the sources and selection of instruments for use in music therapy. It indicates the nature of designing as a tool for innovation and change, and hence the possibilities that could result from engaging music therapy and designing. The designers were finalists at Loughborough University and the strategy used to enable them to undertake designing for music therapy is explained. Five concept designs for inclusive artifacts to support music therapy were proposed, prototyped, and evaluated. Images and video were placed on the project Web site and feedback obtained through an online questionnaire (n 1⁄4 27). Data were gathered concerning matching population characteristics and clinical environments to the artifacts. Potential acceptable prices for the designs proposed were also explored. The outcomes are discussed in the contexts of reflecting on the potential benefits for music therapy from such engagement with design and associated models of good practice.

Author Biographies

Liz Norman, BMus, MA

Liz Norman, BMus, MA, is a music therapist in Cornwall having completed her postgraduate training in music therapy at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, in 2007, followed by her MA in 2010 and a Diploma in Systemic Thinking and Practice at the University of Derby in 2009.

Eddie Norman, MA, MSc, PhD

Eddie Norman, MA, MSc, PhD, is a professor of design education at Loughborough University, leader of the Design Education Research Group and an R&D consultant for Cool Acoustics (a Loughborough University venture developing polymer acoustic guitars).

Downloads

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2011)

Section

Full Length Articles