Health Improving Multi-Sensorial & Musical Environments

In this paper, we present an interactive multi-sensory environment designed for health promotion. It is the fourth generation in an ongoing research project. We focus on the designed qualities of the environment, and specifically on the multi-sensorial and musical interaction design. We present how we have designed the interactive music and multi-sensorial qualities of the environment, to make them health promoting. We combine knowledge from the field of interactive Music composition, Interaction Design and Tangible Interaction with knowledge from therapeutic disciplines such as Music and Health, Music Therapy and Sensory Integration. We use music and sensory interaction possibilities to evoke the users’ positive emotions, to recognise, relate and regulate their moods and feelings. The multi-sensorial environment offers the user possibilities to use their own capabilities and resources to master by experiencing control, coping and advancement. Further, to be able to express themselves through musical and sensory stimulating and aesthetical experiences, and build healing and empowering social experiences and relations.