Matchy

Sensory Learning Toy Design

A sensory learning toy through texture matching and teamwork process to help fully sighted and visually impaired children from age 5-7, promote sensory recognition and collaboration during the process.

Course

Product Design 3

Year

2024 Fall

Duration

14 Weeks

Tools

Solidworks, Keyshot, Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator, 3D Print, Painting

Positioning Statement

Help visually impaired and full-sighted childrens age 5-7 collaborate through sensory play

Product Details

Texture Matching

As a team or individually, follow the light signal or vocal guidance, then touch the target texture to match. Notice the matching result during the game (matched wrong or right)

Light & voice Guidance

Speaker on the cap to play a vocal game guidance, Lights on the top to show matching status

Red: full (finished matching)
Blue: empty (not match yet)

Green: target texture to match now

Changeable Boxes

Changeable 8 magnetic texture boxes to match in 1 game, switch between different topics of textures to learn more

Matching Blocks

2 matching blocks per one texture box, bring them out and mix all matching blocks before the game. Magnatic attach in the box

Background Info

“Play is a basic human need."

Play helps us acquire crucial skills like social interaction, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for navigating our environment and forming strong social bonds.

Why is sensory play important?

Developing fine motor skills through tactile play, understanding how their actions affect what’s around them, helps brain development, enhances memory, complex tasks, and problem-solving.

1.4Millions
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 1.4 million blind children worldwide, with most cases found in developing countries.

295Millions
People live with moderate to severe visual impairment

Sensory
Sensory play stimulates our senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. It helps children interact with and make sense of
the world that surrounds them.

Design Process

I visited Momentum at Torrance, CA. I discovered that texture and pattern play a crucial role in helping children learn about touch and sensory experiences.

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Colorways

Pink