An exploration of the qualities and features of art apps for art therapy

•The pros and cons of using digital art media in art therapy were explored.•A wide range of clients can benefit from using digital art media in art therapy.•Three distinct desirable qualities in art apps were identified for art therapy use.•Six concrete desirable features in art apps were identified for art therapy use.

Using a participatory design (PD) approach, this study explored the qualifying features and qualities of digital art materials, specifically art apps on iPads, for art therapy use. The qualitative study included a questionnaire survey of 4 art therapists using iPads with clients in therapy and four separate focus groups with 15 art therapist participants. The focus group participants engaged in art directives with nine art making apps identified as potentially useful in art therapy. The results revealed that while no single commercial art app satisfied the needs of all art therapists and potential clients, three distinct qualities and six concrete features of an “ideal” art app for art therapy emerged. These desirable criteria of an art app can be used in the future development of a customized art app for art therapy. In addition, these findings may expand the parameters of art therapy's art making practice and artistic vocabulary by illustrating the potential therapeutic and expressive use of digital art media. While the findings reveal unlimited possibilities for the meaningful use of digital art media in art therapy, they also acknowledge how the unique characteristics of digital art media will require carefully considered limitations and restrictions.