Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
HELPING YOUNG DESIGNERS DESIGN FOR CHILDREN: EVALUATING TOYS AND POSSIBLE VALUES
Duytschaever, Inge; Conradie, Peter; Nafzger, Ralph; Verroken, Tine; Bastiaens, Ronald
Type:
Year:
2016
Editor:
Erik Bohemia, Ahmed Kovacevic, Lyndon Buck, Christian Tollestrup, Kaare Eriksen, Nis Ovesen
Author:
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
1University College West-Falnders, Kortrijk, Belgium, 2Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Product Design, Ghent University Campus Kortrijk, Belgium, 3iMinda-MICT-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Section:
Form and Aesthetics in Collaborative Design
Page(s):
310-315
ISBN:
978-1-904670-62-9
Abstract:
When designing for children, it remains important not only to emphasise elements such as ergonomics
and usability but also values, that can be translated into pleasurable user experiences for children.
While methods such as interviews are commonly used to better understand our users, interviewing
children can be a challenge. Experience as part of a year project on designing toys for children
highlighted that children might answer questions in a surprising way, or students might struggle to ask
questions that are not suggestive. To overcome some of these difficulties, we developed a Value
Matrix, that can help students to explore the various values or incentives children might have while
playing. This Value Matrix can subsequently be used to scan existing toys or new concepts and
translate these insights into toys that consist of a wider variety of values children like to experience in
a game or toy. We evaluated this tool with 118 first year Industrial Product Design students. Our
results show that the Value Matrix gives students guidance and support while designing.
and usability but also values, that can be translated into pleasurable user experiences for children.
While methods such as interviews are commonly used to better understand our users, interviewing
children can be a challenge. Experience as part of a year project on designing toys for children
highlighted that children might answer questions in a surprising way, or students might struggle to ask
questions that are not suggestive. To overcome some of these difficulties, we developed a Value
Matrix, that can help students to explore the various values or incentives children might have while
playing. This Value Matrix can subsequently be used to scan existing toys or new concepts and
translate these insights into toys that consist of a wider variety of values children like to experience in
a game or toy. We evaluated this tool with 118 first year Industrial Product Design students. Our
results show that the Value Matrix gives students guidance and support while designing.
Keywords:
