The Underfoot : an exploration into eco-fiction character toy design : dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Ngā Pae Māhutonga School of Design, College of Creative Arts Toi Rauwhārangi, Massey University Tu Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa

Abstract

Children engage in less outdoor play than previous generations. This global trend has impacted on a child’s ability to understand and form a relationship with the natural world. Described as “nature deficit disorder”, the decline in nature play can affect a child’s ability to self-actualise and develop relationships with non-human living beings. This practice-led creative research used eco-fiction design criteria to develop The Underfoot range of five-character toys and a pitch document that encourages Aotearoa New Zealand children aged between five and seven years old to engage with environmental narratives while playing with the toys in nature. The Underfoot character toys are themed around the nitrogen cycle system and focus on character play in outdoor spaces. A core design feature is the integration of natural materials such as soil, leaves and water during play as part of each toy’s character. The pitch document describes the toys’ story world, the characters’ motivations and their ecosystem. The Underfoot toys demonstrate how eco-fiction character toys can enhance a child’s relationship with the natural world, as evidenced by appraisal by industry experts and playtesting with child user groups.