Ergonomic Design of Childcare-Friendly Play Spaces in Community Parks: A Renovation Approach Based on Childcare Behaviors

Abstract

Child-friendly cities have gained significant importance in urban design, with childcare behavior playing a key role in both ensuring children's safety and supporting their psychological and social development. Grounded in ergonomics principles, particularly human–environment interaction and behavior-supportive design, this study examines caregiver behaviors in children’s playgrounds within community parks, while considering children’s developmental needs as a contextual factor.Based on behavioral observations and questionnaire surveys, four distinct types of childcare behavior—caring, watching, participating, and following—are identified, and their correlation with children’s developmental stages is established. The findings are further interpreted to reflect caregivers’ needs in terms of visibility, proximity, and engagement. Comparative analyses of exemplary community parks reveal design strategies addressing both macro-level layout and micro-level interventions, such as play equipment and environmental detailing. These strategies are applied to Huilongyuan Park in Beijing, with proposed site-specific improvements including age-differentiated zoning, adjustments to spatial scale, boundary design, and equipment placement. The study aims to enhance the alignment between caregiver behavior and spatial design, creating child-friendly environments that balance safety, accessibility, and opportunities for independent exploration, thereby supporting children’s holistic development.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Child-friendly Design, Childcare Behavior, Community Parks, Urban Design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007435