Estudo preliminar para o redesign de um balanço Infantil para terapia de integração sensorial

Abstract

Considering the potential contribution of Design in solving social problems, this paper aims the challenge of redesigning a children's swing for Sensory Integration Therapy. The swing is an equipment that already exists on the market, used for stimulating of sensory-motor functions - notions of balance, stability and coordination - as well as to strengthen muscle tone in children with Sensory Integrative Dysfunction. Generally due to disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism, children with this disorder have more difficulty adapting to the common environment, because of a low development of certain brain functions. The goal is to create a prototype that offers versatility in meeting the needs of the user, safety, lightness, playfulness and reduced cost. For this, we have as a starting point an exploratory research, done with literature search, visits to an Occupational Therapy clinic specialized in Sensory Integration Therapy, usability tests on different swings and interviews with professionals. From then on, alternatives, mock-up and, at last, the chosen functional model were developed. Finally, tests with users allowed us to make relevant considerations about the project results.