Design
We decided to design a seesaw that had a curved space in the middle that acts as a seat. The middle seat can provide space for a third child to play, or it can be used for one kid to play alone by standing or sitting in it.
We decided to design a seesaw that had a curved space in the middle that acts as a seat. The middle seat can provide space for a third child to play, or it can be used for one kid to play alone by standing or sitting in it.
There are at least five ways to play on the seesaw, but when we did user testing the children found even more.
Ideas
First, we sketched ideas and referred to measurements from existing rocking toys and The Measure of Man. Then, we used wood and power tools to make a quick works-like model that was safe for the children to test. Altogether it took around four hours.
First, we sketched ideas and referred to measurements from existing rocking toys and The Measure of Man. Then, we used wood and power tools to make a quick works-like model that was safe for the children to test. Altogether it took around four hours.
Observations & Feedback
The youngest toddler liked having the agency to propel herself up and down, which held her interest for a relatively long time. The kids intuitively used empty spaces as storage for any random object that fit. They also turned over arched or dome-shaped toys and then climbed on them or went under them (one child called ours a "bridge").
Two of the kids told us what colors they would want on the toy if it were manufactured, but ultimately, the toy was fun enough for them to keep coming back to it anyway. They said it was "flippy," meaning we made the rocking dimensions extreme enough to be novel for repeated uses. One boy liked standing in the middle of our toy and said it was like a skateboard. Kids have a lot to gain from balance board-type toys, improving their balance and motor skills.
Our design with the seat in the middle was successful, the kids could play alone on it, or it served as a seat for a third person.
Our design with the seat in the middle was successful, the kids could play alone on it, or it served as a seat for a third person.
Thanks for looking!