Magic Toys
2016
Design Research
Concept development
CMF design
3D modelling
Prototyping
User Testing
Photography
Woodworking
What happens when the warm charm of wooden toys gets infused with hands-on interactive fun? The answer: a screen-free play experience that sparks imagination and supports healing.
This project investigates how responsive, sensory-first wooden toys can support behavioural therapy goals for neurodivergent children through the most natural medium available — play.
Simplicity as a driver for complex play
Their abstract shapes invite imagination rather than dictate it, supporting non-prescriptive, open-ended interaction that keeps the toys playable in a variety of ways. This allows them to become anything within the child’s imagination.
Providing children with subtle sensory stimulation through their interactions, the toys are designed to engage them in the holistic occupation of play, creating moments that feel like magic.
“As a therapist, I can use normal toys in
a therapeutic way. But therapy is an intrinsic part of the play here”
Designed, built and tested
The high-fidelity prototypes were crafted in birch wood with custom-developed electronics.
Developed in collaboration with Waag Society and ORION school.
Made by me at FabLab Amsterdam.
