Play with Music: Developing an Inclusive Digital Music Game for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Introduction: This study was conducted in collaboration with a Music Conservatory in Portugal that has a student with cerebral palsy (CP). The conservatory aims to promote an inclusive program for these children but lacks sufficient resources to support their musical education. Games can significantly enhance musical learning in children with CP by integrating interactive technologies that improve musical competencies and motor skills. Recognizing this potential, the University (Removed) and the Conservatory joined forces to create a digital game for these children.
Goals and Methods: The study aimed to create an educational musical game for children with CP, following five distinct phases:
-Understanding CP symptoms in children;
-Surveying the state of the art in games for children with CP;
-Specifying the creation of a musical learning digital game;
-Creating game prototypes;
-Testing these prototypes.
The project employed a qualitative approach using Design-Based Research, with interviews as the primary data collection method. These interviews targeted Music Conservatory students (23) and professors (8). The game prototype was tested with 11 professors, 23 children (including a child with CP), two design students, and a person without prior musical knowledge.
Results: The researchers developed two prototype games—one focused on structured music lessons and another with a more playful approach. Most students preferred the playful approach during testing, while professors favored the structured option. In response, the researchers combined the two prototypes into a comprehensive game. Results indicate that both parts of the game support the musical teaching proposal: the first part aids in playing songs, while the second stimulates exploration and creativity.
Conclusions: The "Play with Music" game successfully meets music teaching goals. This work demonstrates that using an Eye Tracker is a viable option for game interaction. Future studies could explore patterns to enhance the use of these devices as game input.