Evaluating Active and Potential Uses of Audio Visual Media Art Applications for Stress Management

This study aimed to explore university students’ experiences using audio visual media art applications for stress management and relaxation; identify the suitable technology platforms; and combine the viewpoints of students, developers, and artists to determine key design features. A semi-structured interview was used to collect qualitative data on students’ experience as well as the viewpoints of developers and artists regarding design features and technology platforms. Interview transcripts from six university students, three developers, and three artists were analysed using thematic analysis.
The study's findings highlighted design features for audio visual media art applications. Key design features include:
• a simple layout,
• easy-to-navigate interfaces with less text on screen and more space for artwork,
• dynamic artwork, using abstract and geometric shapes,
• synchronization between visual and auditory elements,
• rhythmic visualization,
• smooth movement,
• short duration of artwork,
• slow, calm audio.
Functional features include personalization through the ability to specify preferred visualisations. Furthermore, the study found that larger screens, such as screen projectors, are a suitable technology platform for experiencing audio visual media arts applications. The main contributions are important design aspects for relaxation-based visual audio media art applications and understanding of the appropriate platform to display those creative applications