Throughout my two years of university, I have been researching the theory of design and emotion and how it affects toys and society. Below is a break down into three areas of research I have done.
What design aspects affect children’s perceptions and how is it affecting them emotionally?
Looking into design and emotion I got an understanding of how children relate to products through sensual and visual elements, for example using characteristics to create personailty through the product using the mediums of colour, texture and character features and using characteristics to create personality within the product.
I have also looked at the advantages and disadvantages of marketing of children's products. The methodological involvement of the emotional design and cognitive ergonomics as a tool in the development of children's products helped me get a better understanding on how children's products affecting them emotionally. Play: Designing for Developmental Fun.This was a reseach project preparing myself for my final year project, this project allowed me to break down themes such as what is play?, discovering the world, fine motor skills, active learning, educational play and the differences how boys and girls play. I have also looked into trends, looking at whats on the market under different categories such as construction toys, toys that grow with the child, multi sensory, nature play and outdoor play. This is to get a broader understanding of what children want and need whilst having fun.
It was also a good opportunity to see what socitey is thinking about looking at more contrversial subjects, such as should children's toys be gender specific, are we being too stereotypical, and looking at ethical situations. These questions and answers makes me understand more of the toy industry. Really considering the child in my projects and the developmental skills that they require. |
Design Futures.For this project I discussed how design and emotion was significant to art and design in general, getting an understanding of all design disciplines, but the main section of this project was critically analysing existing products. How is design and emotion reflected through the products I chose, explaining the advantages and disadvantages for children's development? This made me able to form my own opinions and putting them into practice through my design work, then seeing if they are valid.
Other Projects.Also within design projects I have also looked at how social contact can create better play, which lead me to design a social outdoor toy that incorporates sharing, motor skills, tactical play and a high activity rate.
Finally, I looked into my specialised project for children with disabilities and how society treats and understands these issues, trying to make parents feel like their child is like every other child. Imagination, creativity, movement, fun and a sense of magic sums up children's product design for me.
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