Groww
Grow is an education plant toy for young children on autism spectrum. It teaches children about plants and plant growth by inculcating responsibility and accountability in them for taking care of the plants. Through this toy it also helps them improve their motor and sensory skills.
Timeline
13 weeks (Spring 2018)
Who Is it for?
Its for young Children on Autism Spectrum
between age group of 4-10 years
1 in 100
children in India are diagnosed with ASD that live in small houses.
Problem
Small Apartments and Living Spaces
Many children live in a small apartments and do not have space to have a garden specially designed for their needs.
Society Pressure
Many people in India live in societies where neighbors do not feel comfortable being around children with autism and are often asked to not come out of their houses .
No Horticultural Therapy
Main stream schools in India do not offer horticultural therapy.
Horticultural Therapy is often used for children on autism spectrum which involves using gardens and plants to help with physical or emotional healing.
How does gardening helps children with autism spectrum ?.
Improves Sensory Stimuli
Helps Children to take in the different stimuli available (such as color, smell, touch, sound and taste) at a leisurely pace.
Improves Communication Skills
Children who are completely nonverbal, visual cues and photographs can be useful. It also helps develop social skills, self confidence and self esteem.
Improves Motor Skills
Gardening is a physical activity involving the use of the hands. It is a natural stress reliever and helps develop memory and other cognitive skills.
Lets hear from the users.....
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Lina Smith (Parent)
Lives in a 2BHK Apartment
Her both children are Autistic
(Ages 7 and 10)
“They love playing with water and watering the plants in balcony like pretend play. They get most attracted to toys that depict emotions”
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Jack Wilson (Parent)
Lives in a 3 BHK Apartment
His Daughter is Autistic (age 4)
“We try to give her toys that are more analog and less electronic to prevent her from being overstimulated .”
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Rupa Jayamma
School Teacher
“Children in school love being around plants. They are taught, even grow plants in school and love to decorating them.
They get attracted to colors and use a sticker system to help them stick to routines and Instructions”
Key Insights
Design Direction
Inculcating play through toys to teach them and help them be around plants in their apartments.
Treating Plants as Pets
Cause and Effect Toy
Parents can teach children about plant growth and taking responsibility.This toy will help children understand that plant is dependent on them for food & water and requires sunlight to grow and without it it will die.
Insights
Inculcating tactile play
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Inculcating emotions in play
Prototyping
Material Selection
Material - Maple Wood, MDF
I selected the material Maple Wood and MDF because maple wood is non toxic and not harmful for children.
Colors - Pastel Blue and Pastel Yellow
Children with autism do not like fluorescent colors and so decided to select pastel colors to make it look friendly, playful and calm.
How it Works ?
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Art Center Gallery Appreciation
