Exploring the phygital : an assessment of modern play objects : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Date
2017
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Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
The rise in household electronics, video games and
computers - coupled with a parental perception that
unguided outdoor play is unsafe - has led to an increase
in children playing alone indoors (Gray, 2011). The result of
this is a decrease in time spent engaging in spontaneous,
unstructured play. Play theorists Burdette and Whitaker,
(2006) find this concerning, as the decrease of unstructured
playtime can present serious issues for the cognitive,
emotional, physical and social development of children.
This change in the way children are playing is a result
of the industry creating new types of play-objects and
experiences; integrating physical and digital elements
known as phygital play-objects (Trautman, 2014). Through
my observation, the resulting play experiences for children
lack balance. I have conceived the term balanced play to
reflect my goal for Phygital play experiences, where the
benefits of that play are spread equally across the areas of
cognitive, emotional, physical and social development.
This investigation explores the benefits of play. Then uses
this to form a guideline for balanced play experiences. It
identifies the developmental stage of six to nine year olds
and the ways a decline in play potentially affects their
development. From this research, I produce a framework
for assessing balanced play experiences when children use
phygital play-objects.
This is achieved via the presentation of a design
assessment tool and a balanced phygital play-object of my
design created using this tool.
Description
Keywords
Toys, Electronic toys, Design and construction, Play, Play assessment (Child psychology)