Rethinking Children's Toy Design: Physical Interaction and Open-Ended Play In the Digital Age

Anandhu Krishna Poovachully Sasidharan; Aastha Deshpande

Rethinking Children's Toy Design: Physical Interaction and Open-Ended Play In the Digital Age

Author(s)	Mr. Anandhu Krishna Poovachully Sasidharan, Ms. Aastha Deshpande
Country	India
Abstract	Screen-based activities are increasing in children, creating a need to explore alternative forms of active and meaningful play. This study reviews existing research papers on children's play, screen exposure, attention, spatial skills, physical interaction, and toy design. This is done to understand how product characteristics can influence children's engagement. The research review was done by identifying common findings and translating them into relevant product design considerations. The findings suggested that physical manipulation, child-driven exploration, open-ended use, and meaningful sensory feedback can support engagement and provide opportunities for exploration, problem-solving, and spatial interaction. Research on puzzle play and spatial skills training also highlighted the value of hands-on activities. However, the literature does not completely support any claim that physical play is always better than digital. Instead, it suggests that the quality and design of the interaction are important factors in shaping the play experience. Based on these findings, the study identified an opportunity to develop a physical, non-digital play that encourages children to actively interact, explore, and think through their physical actions. The research provides a foundation for further predicting development and concept exploration.
Keywords	Children, Physical Play, Product Design, Interaction, Spatial skills, Open-ended play, screen exposure
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-20

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Rethinking Children's Toy Design: Physical Interaction and Open-Ended Play In the Digital Age

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