My solution aims to create a more inclusive and accessible classroom environment by integrating aids into furniture, which can reduce stigma and increase accessibility for all children. The project examines existing barriers in classrooms, such as reluctance to fetch aids and the risk of losing them, and how design can address these challenges.
My work contributes to research in user-centered design and educational environments by exploring how furniture can support children with concentration difficulties without singling them out. The solution strikes a balance between customization and universal design, making it relevant for both educators and students.
Persona
Olle, 6 years old, has just started school. He is inventive and imaginative, always coming up with fun ideas. On the outside, he seems calm, but on the inside, he often feels a bit anxious. In the classroom, he finds it difficult to sit still and is easily distracted by sounds and other stimuli, which can make it challenging for him to focus on tasks. To support his concentration, he wears noise-canceling headphones and sometimes uses other tools that help him stay engaged. Despite these challenges, Olle is curious and eager to learn, especially when he gets to explore and create in his own way. With the right support, he thrives in a structured but flexible environment where he can use his creativity and energy positively.
Through observations, interviews with special education teachers, and workshops with children and teachers, I have examined children's movement patterns in the school environment. The findings show that children move frequently and rarely sit in the way a traditional chair is designed for. The following sketches illustrate the identified seating positions and the key areas of the chair that will be the focus of my continued work.
User testing