Forsknings- og udviklingsprojekt

Kidkit - Designing for Playful Care in hospitals

Deltagere fra Designskolen Kolding
Forsknings- og udviklings projekttype
Forskning og udvikling
Projektperiode
jan. 2012 - dec. 2013
Projektledelse

Sofie Kinch

LAB
LAB for Play Design
LAB tema
Playful Care
Støtte
Alexandra Instituttet / Arkitektskolen Aarhus
Samarbejdspartnere
Aarhus University Hospital
Baggrund
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.

Contact

Sofie Kinch
LAB for Play Design
Sofie Kinch
Adjunkt, LAB for Play Design