A Sustainable Cork Toy That Promotes the Development of Blind and Visually Impaired Young Children

Ana Rita Ferreira (), Eduardo Noronha, Ricardo Sousa and Gabriel Serra
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Ana Rita Ferreira: ID+—Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, Campus Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Eduardo Noronha: ID+—Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture, Campus Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Ricardo Sousa: TEMA—Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Campus Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Gabriel Serra: TEMA—Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Campus Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-33

Abstract: The children’s toy market is increasingly dominated by products that rely heavily on visual appeal. This article presents the development of ‘bumpi’, a cork toy specially developed for young children who experience visual impairments or blindness. Research was conducted about these children’s needs and the existing assistive products for them in the market. This research revealed that they often face developmental challenges, including delays in achieving key milestones such as crawling and walking, which happens because blind and visually impaired children are less confident to moving and exploring. A significant gap in the market for toys and assistive devices for blind young children was identified. Bumpi aims to fill such a gap. It is designed to stimulate and foster the earlier development of motor skills in children between one and five years old, leading to greater independence. This toy enhances sensory experiences through touch and sound to stimulate children’s urge to move. The toy set includes a puzzle-like mat, a toy cart that follows a predefined path, building blocks for constructing a ramp, and sensory balls that emit sounds when they move. Agglomerated cork, chosen for its unique properties such as lightness, durability and its hypoallergenic nature, is the primary material used. Furthermore, it is not only safe and comfortable for children to handle but also offers great stimulation to their senses. In addition, this is a sustainable material that offers several benefits for the toy industry.

Keywords: blindness; visual impairment; inclusive design; design children toy; sustainable material; cork (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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