RSA Fair Play

2014-15

The RSA or Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, release a series of student briefs that identify contemporary societal issues. These briefs challenge students to understand a particular focus area, and produce innovative solutions to the problems raised. In 2015, I submitted the following presentation to the Fair Play brief.

To the left: Mapping the challenges and the opportunities within the parent, teacher and child relationship.

User Journey

MAPPING THE SOLUTION

I tackled the growing disconnect between parents, children, and teachers - focusing on how it impacts early learning.

Using play as a tool, I explored ways to strengthen communication between all three groups.

Grounded in research on effective educational toys and child learning behaviours, I translated key insights into a solution that connects users and supports stronger educational foundations.

Opportunity

SOLUTION OUTLINE

My solution extends classroom learning into the home.

Each child creates a unique wooden character tied to their school topics, which accompanies them throughout their learning journey. Paired with a journal, it encourages children to document shared “adventures.”

By moving between school and home, these tools spark ongoing conversation and reinforce learning beyond the classroom.

The Benefits

USER GROUPS

Strengthens the connection between parents, teachers, and children through continuous, play-driven communication.

By extending learning beyond the classroom, it increases engagement, supports shared understanding of a child’s development, and empowers parents to actively contribute at home, creating a more connected and consistent learning experience.

Research

CHILD DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PLAY

Key learning areas for key stage 1, children aged 5-7 years.

Research Methods

Secondary Research: Review of educational literature and teaching materials to establish an understanding of learning frameworks and child development principles.
Qualitative User Research: Semi-structured interviews with parents and teachers to uncover pain points, behaviours, and communication gaps.
Competitive / Comparative Analysis: Evaluation of existing educational toys and experiences to identify engagement patterns, strengths, and opportunities for innovation