A Guide to Musical Instrument Design for Preschool Children

Abstract

In order to improve the ergonomic and aesthetic qualities of musical instruments, intended for preschool children, a guideline, which assists the designer in producing more age-appropriate products, has been be created. Using a contemporary musical instrument, the dimensions, materials, form, scale, and weight of the child’s instrument have been determined through studies and comparisons of proportion, anthropometry, psychology, physiology, and existing products. A step by step process is illustrated with a working model which seeks to attract and inspire the young user while making learning easier and less cumbersome.