role
Research and Product Design
timeline
October 2023
project type
University Course
concept statement
MeloTone is therapy support toy designed for neurodiverse children that aims to use current and emerging research findings to provide engaging and effective support and entertainment.
This project began with a concern for increasing diagnosed cases of neurodiversity’s in children, and a clear lack of effective support toys. Play is an incredibly vital component to a child’s development.
The products currently on the market for neurodiverse children lack depth and do not reflect the current understanding of ‘play’ needs for neurodiverse children.
Research for this project involved examining multiple academic papers surrounding playstyles of neurodiverse, as well as current support and therapy tools. Findings suggested that toys or products that involved challenge, curiosity, control, and creativity (Cañete et al., 2021) were most engaging.
Research into methods of sensory support and engagement found that music as a sensory tool had largely been untapped in terms of products specifically for neurodivergent children and showed promising potential. Findings suggested creative music-based play and therapy had a positive impact on preventing depression (Park et al., 2023), improving social function, and the potential for improvement in language skills (Mayer-Benarous et al., 2021).
As a response to the identified problem and supporting research, a concept for a device that uses music, as well as aspects of challenge, curiosity, control, and creativity, was developed.
The core intention of the product is to encourage neurodiverse children to engage in a memory game the uses multiple channels of sensory data, such as light, sound, and touch, to play music. The theory behind the product supports not only the style of game (implementing creativity, challenge, and control), but also the use of music and sensory integration training as an applied therapy tool, packaged in the form of a game.
A crucial consideration that influenced all aspects of the project was accessibility and ergonomics. Inclusivity is a core goal of MeloTone. Average hand size and grip of children was considered when designing the size and form of the product.
Another important aspect of MeloTone is the musical memory game. In line with research that suggests control is an important component to making an engaging game for neurodiverse children, MeloTone uses an algorithm that adjusts the speed of the game in real-time. This means that as the players reaction time speeds up, so does the game, and Vis versa for slowing down. This allows for control and improved sensory integration training.
Sensory friendly CMF considerations were made during the design process for MeloTone to ensure that the physical form of the product enhances the therapeutic tools rather than distracting from them. Soft-touch silicone over-moulded on a plastic frame, allows for a satisfying click and durability.
MeloTone is assembled in four key components: base, tech package, silicone keys, and speaker cover. The components are snap-fit together, meaning that children cannot disassemble the device, ensuring safety and compliance with children’s toy regulations.
This project was intended to fill a gap in the market of engaging support toys for neurodivergent children. Using current and emerging research findings and combining valuable therapy methods into applied therapy tools, like MeloTone, is an invaluable process for the future of support toys for children.
