How can a toy help foster curiosity for technology, trains and the railway?

The project aim was to design a toy based on science for qualitative play, that can fit in as a product sold at the Swedish Railway Museum shop, with the needs of the children, their parents and the museum in mind.

The method used was a reflection-in-action design process, with analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Design sketching, CAD modeling and 3D-printing helped communicate and evaluate ideas, until a solution was found. The result is a a wooden toy were you are encouraged to explore and gain understanding of mechanisms and the transferring of mechanical force. There is a base plate shaped to resemble a steam locomotive, with holes where gears of different sizes and train wheels can be placed on axles.

During user testing with children aged 1-6 years, the toy seems to succeed in encouraging qualitative play involving thinking, problem solving, creativity, imagination, as well as some verbalization and social interaction.

Mekanik och kreativitet i lek, Amanda Lindgren