PlayShop gives kids their own space to create, relax, and play. Inspired by the design language of playgrounds, it uses five colors to guide five types of interaction across more than 20 touchpoints. PlayShop is not the play itself, but a flexible environment that enhances the many ways children play.

Too often kids who struggle with learning differences are put in spaces that ask them to adapt, instead of giving them a space that adapts to them.

Many children ages 4 to 9, especially those with learning differences, experience learning spaces as adult-controlled, task-focused, and sometimes frustrating. These environments can limit their sense of choice, comfort, and ownership.

Before designing, I began by understanding children with learning differences.

Before I had a product in mind, I began with firsthand research, observing children at AIM Academy, a school that focused on teaching students with learning differences. Through speaking with professionals, I started to understand where design could better support their comfort, agency, and play.

Through hundreds of sketches and prototypes PlayShops form started to take shape.

Then came CAD using Rhino3D. I modeled a form study before designing it for CNC and 3D print.

After hundreds of quarter scale, full scale, function tests, and CMF tests, PlayShop was finally ready to be brought to life.

PlayShop is designed to provide children with a space where they can explore their identity, engage in play, work, or simply relax.

With 5 different Interaction points that are color coordinated PlayShops has over 20 different interaction points for kids to discover.

Color meanings:

Interactions to Explore:

Sliding top for easy clean up/extended surface play
Huge center drawer for maximum storage which slides out the front and back
10 smaller drawers of different shapes and sizes and interactions
3 hooks for hanging bags, clothes or accessories
1 large magnet board with magnetic numbers and letters
1 pull out drawing board with 4 double sided spinning boards with chalk board and white board - Dry erase marker and chalk included
2 pull out surfaces for ground play or to use as a step stool
2 Extending fabric sections to turn the underside of the desk into a hideout/fort
2 large cranks for fabric retraction
1 display shelf
1 fabric storage center

CMF

PlayShop was designed to be a toy and space that lasts and grows with the kid. Made for ages 4-9 with materials being Baltic Birch, ABS Plastic, Cotton and Polyester.