Research and development project
Kidkit - Designing for Playful Care in hospitals
- Participants from Kolding School of Design
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- Research and development project type
- Research and development
- Project period
- Jan 2012 - Dec 2013
- Project management
Sofie Kinch
- LAB
- LAB for Play Design
- LAB theme
- Playful Care
- Fund
- Alexandra Instituttet / Arkitektskolen Aarhus
- Collaboration partners
- Aarhus University Hospital
Background
The project, developed as part of a PhD study, was evaluated at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
About the project
When a loved one is hospitalized with severe injuries, families face a difficult dilemma: should young children visit the intensive care unit? Many parents hesitate, fearing the experience will be overwhelming. However, research shows that involving children in a relative’s illness can help demystify their fears and reduce trauma later in life.
Kidkit is a design intervention that supports children through this challenging experience. As an interactive, mobile, and transformable piece of furniture, Kidkit helps young visitors gradually adjust to the hospital ward’s sensory environment. In a quiet waiting space, children can engage with Kidkit through play, safely exploring unfamiliar sights and sounds. When they feel ready, children—accompanied by staff—can wheel Kidkit into the ward, where it unfolds into a stairway. This allows them to approach their hospitalized relative at their own pace, fostering a sense of control and emotional security.
