A Playful Relationship Between Children and Insects: Fostering Nature Connection through Interaction Design

Du, Zhaoyang and Valsecchi, Francesca (2024) A Playful Relationship Between Children and Insects: Fostering Nature Connection through Interaction Design. In: P/References of Design. Cumulus conference proceedings series, 2 . Cumulus Association, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest, Budapest, pp. 25-26. ISBN 978-952-7549-03-2

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Abstract

Being called to spend more and more time interacting with or through screens and devices, has a major impact on the relationship between humans and nature - which is gradually diminishing - especially for children. Nature connectedness and nature-deficit disorders are widely studied, and there is a growing need to rein force the nature connection in children. The role of interaction design to foster nature connections presents several opportunities. In this research, we identify game design as a pivotal opportunity for nature-children interaction; through games dynamic, natural science education can be integrated with a direct interaction format, and allow forms of experiential learning. Mixed-methods approach in the user research process helps a comprehensive understanding of the user base and informs the development of the prototypes. The final outcome is "Playful Beetle", a game that entices kids to explore the world of beetles in an engaging and playful manner, provides children with knowledge about beetles, and meets their observe, learn, interact, and experience needs with these creatures. The outcome fills the gap in the current nature education field and also offers valuable cases for future researchers.

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