Meicen Zhou

MindPlay

Installation

2024

MindPlay is an interactive music therapy installation designed for children with ADHD. It features a 3D-printed celestial moon and colored chess pieces. When the P5.js-driven screen changes color, users place the matching chess piece on an Arduino-connected color sensor, triggering unique musical sounds and earning points. This physical interaction merges color therapy, rhythm-based music, and cognitive gameplay. During development, testing revealed that individuals with ADHD often prefer slower visual and auditory changes. To resolve this, a potentiometer was integrated to allow users to customize the interface's transition speed.

“I sought to merge technology and well-being by exploring the therapeutic potential of music and color for neurodivergent children. MindPlay aims to transform clinical cognitive training into an engaging, multi-sensory experience that integrates seamlessly into a home environment. By combining tactile play with auditory feedback, the goal is to improve concentration in an enjoyable way. Testing highlighted the importance of accessible design, showing that adaptable stimulus tempos are crucial for genuine therapeutic efficacy.”