Abstract
This study explores the potential of the Bee Buzz Buddy prototype, a tangible interaction design, in encouraging young children’s indoor physical activity through imaginative play. It examines how such designs can support full-body movement and foster sustained engagement in physical activity. The prototype was tested in participants’ homes for two months, using a mixed-methods approach that included observations, parent interviews, and diary logs to assess its impact. Key findings show that while the prototype effectively promoted physical activity and movement skills development through imaginative play, long-term engagement declined over time. The study highlights the importance of metaphors and pretend scenarios in maintaining engagement and fostering creativity. Additionally, parents emphasised the need for greater adaptability, clearer prompts, and modular designs that can integrate with other toys for ongoing engagement. These insights offer guidance for the development of future tangible designs aimed at sustaining children’s interest and supporting engaging, physically active play.
Keywords
Pre-Schoolers; Tangible Interactions; Physical Activity; Longitudinal Study
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.668
Citation
Wang, Y., Blackler, A., Ploderer, B., Vickery, N.,and Tarlinton, D.(2025) Understanding Imaginative Play and Physical Activity through Tangible Design: A Longitudinal Evaluation of the Bee Buzz Buddy, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.668
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 3 - Design, Art & Technology
Understanding Imaginative Play and Physical Activity through Tangible Design: A Longitudinal Evaluation of the Bee Buzz Buddy
This study explores the potential of the Bee Buzz Buddy prototype, a tangible interaction design, in encouraging young children’s indoor physical activity through imaginative play. It examines how such designs can support full-body movement and foster sustained engagement in physical activity. The prototype was tested in participants’ homes for two months, using a mixed-methods approach that included observations, parent interviews, and diary logs to assess its impact. Key findings show that while the prototype effectively promoted physical activity and movement skills development through imaginative play, long-term engagement declined over time. The study highlights the importance of metaphors and pretend scenarios in maintaining engagement and fostering creativity. Additionally, parents emphasised the need for greater adaptability, clearer prompts, and modular designs that can integrate with other toys for ongoing engagement. These insights offer guidance for the development of future tangible designs aimed at sustaining children’s interest and supporting engaging, physically active play.