Problem Background
A Learning Disorder is an information-processing problem that prevents a person from learning a skill and using it effectively. Common learning disorders affect a child's abilities in reading, written expression, math or nonverbal skills, are generally termed as:
1.Dyslexia : Learning disabilities in reading
2.Dyscalculia : Learning disabilities in math
3.Dysgraphia : Learning disabilities in writing
4.Dyspraxia : Learning disabilities in motor skills
Focusing on Dysgraphia, it is a specific type of learning disability that affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills. Problems may include
-illegible handwriting,
-inconsistent spacing,
-poor spatial planning on paper,
-poor spelling, and
-difficulty composing writing as well as thinking and writing at the same time.
References:
Manashri Vellaiappan, 2017, Current Legislations for Learning Disabilities in India and Future Prospects. Retrieved from https://jgu.edu.in/jsgp/wpcontent/uploads/current_legislations_for_learning_disabilities.pdf
Learning Disabilities and Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-disorders.htm
After a lot of research and brainstorming, we found that Occupational Therapy is the main way to help kids who struggle with Dysgraphia, where therapists work on kids to improve Fine motor skills and Motor planning.
So, to accommodate to kids on a wider scale, we decided on target age group of 3 to 6 year old children and come up with playful toys which would help in developing different their Fine Motor Skills at an early stage, thus also facilitating their writing skills.
Final Brief
To design a toy with “Learn and Play” feature to develop Fine motor skills and Motor planning for children aged 3 to 6 years. The toy would help develop writing skills along with other hand movements to kids at an early stage.
What are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skill is the ability to make movements using small muscles in our hands and wrists.
Motor Planning is the ability to conceive, plan and carry out a skilled, non-habitual motor act in correct sequence from beginning to end.
Targeted Fine motor skills:
-Tripod grip: Static/Dynamic
-Draw and trace over lines
-Sorting and manipulating geometric shapes
-Stacking and Pattern making
Thanks for your attention!
