'Inclusive play' equipment benefits all childrenーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Inclusive Play: The concept of designing playground equipment and environments that allow children of all abilities, including those with medical needs, to play together.
• Universal Design: Designing products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
• Trial and Error: An iterative process of experimentation and refinement used in design and development.
• Design and Healthcare Study Meeting: A forum that inspired the designer to address the lack of accessible play spaces for children with medical issues.

Inclusive Play Equipment for Children with Medical Needs

This section details the development and purpose of specialized playground equipment designed to break down barriers for children requiring daily medical care, enabling them to experience a playground environment.

• Purpose: To allow children with medical needs to enjoy playground experiences alongside other children.
• Location: The equipment is being tested in a park in Fukui City and efforts are underway to install it in approximately 150 locations nationwide, including Tokyo's Maji Park and other commercial facilities.
• Impact on Other Children: When children with disabilities use this equipment, other children often approach, fostering understanding and awareness of medical issues.
• Designer's Motivation: Designer Tajima Hiroyuki was motivated by a study meeting on "design and healthcare" five years prior, where he learned about the scarcity of playgrounds accessible to children with medical needs. His goal is to create an environment where all children can play together and make friends.
• Design Process: Tajima employed a process of trial and error, focusing on universal designs with safety as a priority. He involved children and their parents in testing and feedback. The development of the first piece of equipment took approximately two years.
• Recognition: Tajima's efforts were recognized with the top Good Design Award for enriching lives and society through his playground equipment.
• Changing Perceptions: The designer observed a shift in parents' outlook as they saw their children with disabilities playing alongside others, even those who initially believed their children couldn't play outside due to physical limitations.

Development of a New Inclusive Slide

This section focuses on Tajima Hiroyuki's current project to design a slide that accommodates children with greater medical care needs.

• Challenge: Children requiring more significant medical care often find it difficult to balance on traditional slides.
• Design Goal: To create a slide using a soft material that provides support, allowing children to slide down while maintaining their posture.
• Design Complexity: Tajima acknowledges the difficulty in translating a conceptual idea, like a supportive slide, into a tangible, functional product. He notes that while drawing a picture is easy, actual creation presents significant challenges.
• Broader Strategy: Tajima believes that by developing ordinary playground equipment with inclusive features, the concept of inclusive play will become more widespread.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

This section summarizes the overarching philosophy and aspirations behind the inclusive play initiative.

• Promoting Growth: Tajima believes that expanding playtime options for children can prompt their growth.
• Maximizing First Experiences: His ultimate hope is to provide children with as many new and positive first experiences as possible.