Three Interactive Add-ons for Small Local Playgrounds: Towards Designing for Context-sensitive Play Activities

There is an observed reduction in outdoor play in many parts of the world. Although interactive playgrounds exist that are placed at larger playgrounds, such interactive setups in the close vicinity are not yet omnipresent. In this interactivity contribution we showcase three interactive add-on prototypes for the small local playground equipment, that span a spectrum of opportunities. We include a story-based themed interaction of Dragon School, for instance breathing as a dragon with an echo effect. The second interaction Nuppu is a higher intensity variation of the add-on, where playground equipment have to be 'conquered' by performing the appropriate action (i.e. swinging makes the swing go through a variation of colors). The third interaction Magic Climb, is a more location-specific design for climbing equipment where animal-themed stations are lit up in random order making animal sounds, after the accompanying sound is played they be activated by an action related to that animal such as floating your hand as a bee above a sensor triggering the next sound. Especially for the latter setup, it was easy to come up with different game variations by changing the rules kept by the players but using the same system interaction. However, that idea embodies through its variation a question that becomes more and more important and we want to discuss: How to design for cultivating this type of open-ended play towards others sessions and players in a digital age? As we know open-ended play is a promising endeavor where the activity of coming up with games is part of the game. At the same time we think for children new systems should be able to be used in some form within a short amount of time, and provide enough perspective on how to use them immediately.