Short answer
Incorporate a multi-faceted approach to playground design that prioritizes universal access, varied sensory and motor experiences, and supportive social environments, informed by empirical evidence.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences (2021)
- Method
- Scoping Review
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Designing inclusive playgrounds requires a holistic approach that considers physical elements, surrounding environments, and social factors to enable participation for all children, especially those with disabilities. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences. Using Scoping review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate a multi-faceted approach to playground design that prioritizes universal access, varied sensory and motor experiences, and supportive social environments, informed by empirical evidence.
Inclusive Playground Design: Evidence-Informed Recommendations for Universal Participation
Designing inclusive playgrounds requires a holistic approach that considers physical elements, surrounding environments, and social factors to enable participation for all children, especially those with disabilities.
Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences · 2021
Key Findings
- 01Thirteen evidence-based recommendations and one promising practice were identified.
- 02Recommendations were categorized into five broad playground elements: entry points; surfacing and paths; features to foster inclusive play; staffing/supervision; and design process.
Application
Design takeaway
Incorporate a multi-faceted approach to playground design that prioritizes universal access, varied sensory and motor experiences, and supportive social environments, informed by empirical evidence.
How to apply
When designing any public or community space intended for children, consult evidence-based recommendations for inclusive design, ensuring accessibility and varied engagement opportunities for all potential users.
Project actions
- 01When researching inclusive design, look for studies that offer specific, actionable recommendations.
- 02Consider the entire user journey, not just the primary interaction point.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases.
- +Systematic synthesis of findings into actionable recommendations.
Limitations
The availability of research on specific disabilities or niche play features might be limited, requiring designers to extrapolate from broader principles.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings is supported by the systematic review methodology and the synthesis of multiple studies. Validity is enhanced by focusing on empirical evidence and using inductive content analysis to group recommendations thematically.
Think critically
How can the principles of inclusive playground design be extrapolated to other public spaces or digital interfaces to ensure equitable access and participation?
Design Principles
"Universal Design for Play: Design play environments to be usable by all children, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design."
This research synthesizes evidence to provide actionable recommendations for creating play spaces that are accessible and engaging for a diverse range of users. By moving beyond basic accessibility, designers can foster environments that promote social interaction, motor skill development, and emotional well-being for all children.
What This Means for Your Design
To make playgrounds fun and accessible for all kids, including those with disabilities, we need to think about everything: how kids get in, how they move around, what they can play with, and even how adults help out.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the identified recommendations as a framework for evaluating existing designs or developing new concepts for your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical need for evidence-informed design in creating inclusive play environments. By synthesizing findings from numerous studies, it provides a framework of recommendations covering physical access, play features, and social considerations, emphasizing that true inclusivity requires a holistic approach to design.
Source
Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences
A Scoping Review of Evidence-Informed Recommendations for Designing Inclusive Playgrounds
journal · 2021
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about inclusive playground design: evidence-informed recommendations for universal participation?
- Incorporate a multi-faceted approach to playground design that prioritizes universal access, varied sensory and motor experiences, and supportive social environments, informed by empirical evidence. Evidence: Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences (2021).
- Why does "Inclusive Playground Design: Evidence-Informed Recommendations for Universal Participation" matter for design?
- This research synthesizes evidence to provide actionable recommendations for creating play spaces that are accessible and engaging for a diverse range of users. By moving beyond basic accessibility, designers can foster environments that promote social interaction, motor skill development, and emotional well-being for all children.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Incorporate a multi-faceted approach to playground design that prioritizes universal access, varied sensory and motor experiences, and supportive social environments, informed by empirical evidence.
- What were the main findings?
- Thirteen evidence-based recommendations and one promising practice were identified.. Recommendations were categorized into five broad playground elements: entry points; surfacing and paths; features to foster inclusive play; staffing/supervision; and design process.
- What research method was used?
- Scoping Review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2021 journal from Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any public or community space intended for children, consult evidence-based recommendations for inclusive design, ensuring accessibility and varied engagement opportunities for all potential users.
- What are the limitations?
- The review focused on peer-reviewed literature published in English, potentially excluding relevant research from other languages or non-peer-reviewed sources. The synthesis of findings relies on inductive content analysis, which can be subject to interpretation.