Research on the Integration of Music Design in Multisensory Experiences: An Interdisciplinary Literature Analysis Using CiteSpace

With the rise of the experience economy, user demands have shifted from traditional visual and functional concerns toward a holistic experience that integrates multiple senses. Due to its emotional impact and capacity to shape atmosphere, music design has emerged as a key driver in the study of multisensory experiences. However, most existing research focuses on single- or dual-sensory interactions, with limited systematic exploration of more complex, high-dimensional multisensory integrations. In addition, current studies remain scattered and fragmented, and a comprehensive conceptual framework has yet to be established. This study employs the literature visualization tool CiteSpace to systematically construct a knowledge map of music design and multisensory experience, drawing from publications between 2005 and 2025 in the Web of Science database. A total of 385 documents were initially retrieved using a combined keyword search. After manual screening, 212 valid publications were selected, encompassing journal articles, conference proceedings, and other types of literature across 144 journals, 644 authors, and 555 institutions in 94 countries and regions. The study analyzes these documents from multiple dimensions. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies key research hotspots in music design within the context of multisensory experience, such as emotion regulation, sensory integration, and cross-modal correspondence. Keyword clustering reveals increasing interdisciplinary convergence across neuroscience, psychology, design studies, and business applications. Keyword burst analysis demonstrates a recent shift in research focus—from investigating neural mechanisms to practical applications related to user behavior and sensory coordination, especially in areas such as retail soundscape design, immersive VR/AR experiences, and music-based interventions in healthcare and rehabilitation. Based on these findings, the study proposes a “Multisensory Music-Integrated Design Framework” aimed at real-world applications, offering a structured operational process and strategic guidance for incorporating music design into multisensory experiences. This research not only enhances the understanding of sensory synergy mechanisms in design studies but also provides theoretical support for practical implementation, thereby advancing the development and application of music design in multisensory contexts.