Project Statement

Play-do is an inclusive playscape designed for individuals with sensory processing disorders, autism, and similar conditions. It features four rooms focused on tactile sensory therapy, providing even pressure along the body for soothing. Additionally, there's a playground accessible via climbing nets or stairs. While these spaces are made with the needs of sensory sensitive or under sensitive people in mind, it is a free and collaborative space that welcomes everyone, fostering play without stigma and encouraging consideration of each other's needs.

"Why?"

• Playgrounds are loud
• Playgrounds lack accommodations for sensory sensitive individuals
• Playgrounds lack a space to calm down if an individual is battling a sensory overload
• Playgrounds lack spaces for individual play

User Persona

Broad problem being addressed

• Sensory overload
• Classroom setting

Users interests

• Free play, Cats
• Horror
• Fantasy/Anime
• Rhythmic music (drums and bass)
• Fluffy and warm objects bring comfort to them.

Sensory Triggers

• Excessive writing by hand
• Bright lights
• Being forced to remain in order
• Not allowed to fidget in order to release anxiety

How does the user currently solve the problem

• By taking breaks and using the restroom, and sometimes using the designated neurodivergent space in their school

Name: Krysto; Age: 7

What is the problem with the way the problem is currently being solved:

The neurodivergent space often had a stigma associated with it which made the student feel as an outcast, The bathroom isn't the most comfortable space to soothe oneself

Product Goals

• It should be open and free to all students not just neurodivergent students and provide a space and comfortable space to everyone.

• We could use colours to designate which space is for quite space and which is for collaborative play Incorporate users interests in the product to further soothe them.

• Good lighting
• Prioritise comfort and coziness

Precedents

Conceptual, technical, and visual

A play device for children

Key elements for sensory inclusivity: Open ended, customisable, encourages motor skills, organic form

Biophilic design

Key elements for sensory inclusivity: Natural, Organic patterns, Lack of visual clutter, being free

Bands and bracelets for non verbal communication

Key elements for sensory inclusivity: Non-verbal communication

Sketches - Product

Sketches - Playscape

Prototype 1(Product)

Prototype 2 (Product)

Prototype 3 (Playscape)

Prototype 4 (Playscape)

Prototype 5 (Playscape)

Prototype 6 (Combination Playscape)

Final Sketches

Final Sketches

Reviewing Product Goals

• It should be open and free to all students not just neurodivergent students and provide a space and comfortable space to everyone.

• We could use colours to designate which space is for quite space and which is for collaborative play Incorporate users interests in the product to further soothe them.

• Good lighting
• Prioritise comfort and coziness

• The rooms will have paned or translucent glasses to allow for natural light to illuminate the room
• The rooms create space for comfort and privacy

• The entire structure is very customisable outside the doors they could be set as individual or collaborative play by the user
• The top piece creates space for collaborative play but doesn't enforce it

• The space welcomes all. However, neurodivergent students could choose to get prior permissions from their teachers to use the space outside of class time