Yogo: a Hybrid Toy-System for children with DCD

In the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) several researchers suggested that Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs), due to their “hands-on” nature, have a great potential to support children’s learning experience [1]. For this reason, the literature of recent years has highlighted the development of a new trend characterized by an increasing number of toys that provide a more seamless bridge between the physical and digital worlds [2]. These toys, defined as hybrid, instead of moving away from the material aspects towards a digital and immaterial dimension, combine the digital and physical dimensions to enrich the user experience [3]. This research aims to study a design system capable to merge the world of medical devices and recreational products, exploring the usefulness of hybrid toys and TUI in a therapeutic field. The overall aim is proposing a reflection from a design perspective, capable to build accessible and inclusive systems designed for children with special needs. To this end, this paper describes Yogo, an hybrid Toy-System designed for children with dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder.