Exploratory Kit of Coastal Ecosystems Interactive Educational Toy by Yao Liu |
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| DESIGN NAME: Exploratory Kit of Coastal Ecosystems PRIMARY FUNCTION: Interactive Educational Toy INSPIRATION: My project draws inspiration from the stunningly diverse beach colors worldwide, aiming to turn this natural wonder into a learning adventure. By encapsulating the beauty and diversity of pink, emerald, volcanic, and white sands into an educational toy, I sought to spark children's curiosity about the planet and foster a deeper appreciation for its natural wonders. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Aimed at children aged 6 to 10, the Coastal Quest intertwines entertainment with lessons on marine conservation. This kit presents four distinct beach ecosystem boards, promoting strategic thinking and teamwork. In an engaging manner, it educates children on the importance of 'rescuing' marine species, thus highlighting the significance of ecological intervention and our influence on marine environments. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Discover the "Coastal Quest," an engaging educational game that delves into the variety of coastal habitats. Through solo and multiplayer modes, children interact with the kit, identifying and matching balls representing marine life and waste to appropriate-sized holes on themed boards. The game cleverly illustrates ecological concepts: large balls (whales) stranding when they land in smaller holes and small balls (smaller sea creatures or trash) easily passing through larger ones, demonstrating the importance of proper environmental placement. This tactile learning experience not only entertains but also instills a deep understanding of ecological balance and the critical need for marine conservation, fostering a generation that respects and protects our oceans. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project began on September 15, 2023, at the Politecnico di Milano, guided by Professors CORBELLINI BERNARDO GABRIO, COSTA FIAMMETTA CARLA ENRICA, DEL CURTO BARBARA, and FOIS LUCA. Though I completed it in Hong Kong on February 9, 2024, as an exchange student, the project remained under the Milan professors' direction, culminating in a presentation back to them. FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The "Coastal Quest" uses injection molding with durable ABS and clear PC materials, designed for easy assembly and enduring play. Key parts, including the central column and lighthouse cap, are built for durability, offering a dependable learning tool for kids. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Dimensions: Width: 297.5 mm, Depth: 333 mm, Height: 251 mm. This interactive kit, designed for children's education, combines durable ABS and transparent PC to ensure lasting use and visibility. It features a central rotating mechanism to move balls, representing marine life, through its structure. Children use sticks to guide these balls, enhancing their understanding of marine ecosystems and emphasizing ecological responsibility in line with SDG 14. TAGS: Educational Toy, Coastal Ecosystem, Interactive Learning, Child Development RESEARCH ABSTRACT: My research focuses on developing educational toys that promote environmental understanding in children. Aiming to highlight marine life and ecological equilibrium, I combined various research methods to engage with educators and young learners. Analysis from 70 participants showed a clear favor towards interactive educational tools, proving their value in imparting knowledge on marine conservation. These insights advocate that interactive learning can pivotally shape early environmental education, influencing future educational and societal norms towards sustainability. CHALLENGE: The primary challenge was simplifying complex marine ecosystems into an engaging, child-friendly game. Balancing educational content with fun, ensuring intuitive interaction, and representing diverse coastal habitats were key hurdles, all while keeping the design accessible for children. ADDED DATE: 2024-03-10 13:52:23 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : IMAGE CREDITS: Yao Liu, 2023. |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://exploratorykitofcoastalecosystem |
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| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Exploratory Kit of Coastal Ecosystems Interactive Educational Toy by Yao Liu is Runner-up for A' Design Award in Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design Category, 2023 - 2024.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Yao Liu. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Yao Liu. |
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