This week I’m reviewing Relaxing Medusa, an app that markets itself as “anti-stress art therapy.” The app allows the user to generate animated clouds/swirls of color in response to the movements of their finger on the screen. The patterns are hypnotic and relaxing but that does not mean that it is art therapy. People have been using art for relaxation, celebration, expression, and healing for centuries before art therapy was formalized as a profession. The art therapy profession does not own the artistic process. That said, the term art therapy refers to the use of the creative process within the context of a therapeutic relationship. This app is not, in and of itself, art therapy. I don’t want to sound like a broken record but I think it’s important for consumers to know what they are and are not getting, even with a free app. This review will consider Relaxing Medusa as a possible tool for independent relaxation/expression or within a therapeutic relationship.
Intended Use: The app is intended for entertainment or relaxation.
Target Audience: The app is listed as being appropriate for ages four and up. The adjustment sliders rely on reading text, however, young children or people with limited literacy could experiment with the sliders and still enjoy the process.
Usability: The interface is very simple. The user simple touches the screen (e.g. taps, drags, draws, etc.) and random colorful designs appear. There are options to adjust the sliders
Users can tap the “i” icon for basic instructions for the functions of the app.
Cost: The app is free.
Technical Requirements: Available for iOS.
Pro’s: The app is very simple to use which may be enjoyable for younger children, people with low energy, or who may not be family with technology. It is a way to experience the soothing properties of paint swirling with less mess than conventional materials. This may make it a suitable relaxation tool in places where infection control (e.g. medical setting) is paramount, rented/shared spaces, or spaces with limited access to running water for handwashing/cleaning tools. Users may find the images as an interesting starting point for collage, drawing, painting, or video using other apps or with conventional materials.
Con’s: The app creates images that are ephemeral. You can use the in-app screen capture tool, however, the images vanish fairly quickly so the captures tend to be faded. The tool also leaves a watermark (see the sample above). There is a workaround, however. You can use the phone’s native screen capture or screen record functions to capture still and video images of your work. Clients who are prone to seizures or migraines induced by flashing lights will want to steer clear of this app.
Is it worth it? The app is an enjoyable tool for distraction or generating abstract images/videos to use in other projects. I don’t imagine engaging with it for more than a few minutes at a time. There are other apps with greater functionality.