Inclusive Sensory Play System
Playsense
Designing for Inclusion
Inclusion in physical activities can be challenging for blind children, especially in shared learning environments. To address this, we designed a sensory circuit that builds confidence, fosters interaction, and enhances tactile-kinesthetic development.
PlaySense is a sensory circuit designed for visually impaired children, developed in collaboration with the Josefa Vergara Foundation in Querétaro. This project aims to foster children’s cognitive, sensory, and motor development through play and experimentation.
I worked on this project alongside María José Yáñez and Anel Torres during university, and it remains one of my favorite projects. It reinforced my passion for research-driven design and user experience, shaping the way I approach problem-solving as a designer.
Summary
Research-Driven Design
Understanding the needs of blind and visually impaired children was at the core of this project. Working with Fundación Josefa Vergara, we conducted extensive research to ensure our design was both engaging and functional. We observed how children interact with their environment, spoke with educators, and analyzed the impact of tactile stimulation on their learning and confidence. This user-centered approach guided every design decision.
From Research to Implementation
We created 22 modular pieces—hexagonal and arrow-shaped—crafted from EVA foam for durability, portability, and safety. The design process included material experimentation, usability testing, and continuous feedback from both children and educators. Seeing the children navigate the circuit with enthusiasm confirmed that our research translated into a meaningful and effective solution.
Impact
Once PlaySense was introduced at Fundación Josefa Vergara, we saw firsthand how it brought children together. One of our main goals was to create a space where blind children and sighted children could interact naturally, breaking down barriers through play. Watching them engage, collaborate, and enjoy the circuit as equals proved that PlaySense truly fostered inclusion.
Project Collaborators
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Fundación Josefa Vergara
Methodology: Design Thinking
The design process of PlaySense was carried out using the Design Thinking methodology, which consists of five main phases:
Empathize
To understand the needs of visually impaired children, we conducted in-depth research through interviews and direct observations at the Josefa Vergara Foundation.
This allowed us to gain insights into the specific challenges they face in their daily activities, learning processes, and interactions. By engaging with educators, specialists, and caregivers, we identified key areas where sensory play could support their development.
Define
After analyzing our research findings, we synthesized the main insights into a clear problem statement: visually impaired children need safe, engaging, and stimulating environments that encourage both sensory and motor development. Our goal was to design an interactive circuit that supports learning through tactile exploration, movement, and social interaction, ensuring accessibility and safety.
Ideate
We explored various solutions and design concepts that integrated textures, sounds, and shapes to stimulate children’s senses. From this phase, modular and dynamic components were designed to encourage exploration and collaborative play.
After several iterations, we combined ideas from previous sketches, creating arrow- and hexagon-shaped modules with puzzle-like connections for secure assembly. Each texture features high-contrast colors for visibility, catering to children with low vision.
The ideas were then refined into modular components, each designed to offer a unique sensory experience and promote collaborative play. The flexibility of the modules ensured that they could be rearranged to create different play scenarios, enhancing adaptability and engagement.
We analyzed the pros and cons of the winning proposals and decided to focus on textured circuits. Various alternatives were explored regarding how they could look, ensuring that each design would maximize sensory stimulation while maintaining safety and ease of use.
Prototype
We developed physical prototypes using soft, durable, and safe materials to ensure comfort and usability.
Each module was crafted with varying textures, patterns, and levels of difficulty to provide an engaging and progressive play experience.
The prototypes were tested for durability, ease of use, and overall effectiveness in stimulating sensory and motor skills.
Test
The prototypes were evaluated by children and teachers at the Josefa Vergara Foundation. Based on the feedback received, we made adjustments to the materials, shapes, and structures to improve the usability and safety of the product.
Branding
The visual identity of the product was designed to convey the values of connection, vitality, and experimentation. The logo features an arrow shape, a universal symbol representing movement and encouraging individuals to follow a path. The rounded corners represent the softness of the material, while the scattered letters symbolize playfulness and dynamism. Additionally, the graphic elements are inspired by the textures of the modules, giving the packaging a vibrant and colorful design that reflects the interactive and engaging nature of PlaySense.
Core Value
Connection: Highlighting the importance of interaction and connection among children, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
Energy: Conveying vitality and enthusiasm, with a design that inspires movement and action.
Experimentation: Promoting exploration and creativity by enabling endless circuits and activities.
Logo
The logo’s shape is inspired by the arrow from the modules, a universal symbol of movement that encourages following a path.
- Rounded corners reflect the softness of the material.
- Playful, irregular letters symbolize fun and movement.
- Single-color design ensures versatility and broadens its applications.
