Human-centred design: Promoting interactions between children and caregivers in play spaces

Abstract: Most of the time children are necessary to go to play spaces with caregivers. However, play spaces in general are designed for children that caregivers are always excluded. Sometimes only basic resting facilities are provided for the caregivers. In the recent years, some studies have already concerned the inclusiveness of public play spaces for the needs of children and their peers with different motion, sensory and cognitive capabilities. On the other hand, there is still very rare to have research on the inclusiveness of the design of public play spaces for caregivers. Taking Hong Kong as a case study, this paper reviews and explores the meanings of public play spaces and identify direct and possible indirect users. The study also explores the current social issues, in particular the family and household-member factors, related to the design of public play spaces, in a densely populated city. The paper then identifies the needs and preferences of different direct and indirect users of public play spaces, addresses the commonly overlooked needs of caregivers in the design of public play spaces, and uncovers the design gaps which, if addressed, could significantly enhance the inclusivity and relevance of public play spaces amidst evolving social contexts.

Keywords: Children, Caregivers, Inclusivity, play spaces

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004020

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