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