Which KBT products fit in each inclusion zone?
Play development and play value
The term 'play value' is used to describe the value of an environment or object for play. Something has high play value if children can play with it in many different ways or can use it to expand their own ideas and actions. Simple objects (such as sticks, balls or sand), games (such as tag or hide-and-seek) and classic equipment (such as swings or climbing frames) often have a higher play value than complicated or expensive toys.
Not every play activity has the same value for every child. The value is influenced by individual taste, age, ability and development level. In order to build play areas that are attractive to all children, we must both offer equipment that is easily accessible, solitary and simple to use and on the other hand, equipment that is more challenging, complex and focused on social play. These opposites are difficult to combine in one component, but they can be offered side by side. Variation is key.
Some KBT products attract only regular children, some products are more adapted to children with a certain type of handicap. An inclusive playground includes all products in a balanced way. All playground components are in a way inclusive, because an inclusive playground includes components offering different play value to different children. Based on the 3D-model of play, it’s possible to evaluate each play component on the 3 dimensions of play and to decide which products to include into your inclusive playground. The below table will also help to get a better understanding about which products fit where.
Product | 3D product score | Description |
Nest swing ‘Rosette’
| intermediate motor play 
| This nest swing is a product that can be used in many different ways and alone or in group. It is a product that can evoke the imagination of a ship in the waves, but it can just as well be used to rock gently. |
Tic-tac-toe game (OXO spinners)
| basic motor play 
| OXO is a game with rules, so to use it in the intended way, the user needs certain cognitive skills. But on a playground, there are no set rules and so we see children often just use it as a simple tactile spinning toy as well. Sometimes on their own, sometimes in parallel. The cylinders have bright and contrasting colours and include a tactile aspect, so it can also be used by visually impaired children. |
Family swing ‘Raxi’
| intermediate motor play 
| The family swing is an example of a product that provides social-emotional support to users who are afraid of swinging alone. Children who have difficulties performing the coordinated rocking motion with their legs can also benefit from this type of swing. On the other hand, the swing does not give extra support to the back and hips. |
Special needs swing
| basic motor play 
| This swing is adapted to the needs of people who have difficulty sitting upright. Thanks to the back and hip support and the safety belt or harness, users can sit safely and swing with ease. The swing offers the same support as a classic baby seat, but for taller and older users. |
1 m wide stainless steel slide ‘Stur'
| intermediate motor play 
| The wide slide is specifically made to be used by two people. This is beneficial for children who are afraid to slide on their own, but also for those who need physical support to climb, sit down or slide. It is important that the platform is adapted with the necessary steps, handholds and transfer zones. In addition, this slide is also fun for children who like to play together. |
Swingseat ‘Curve-XL’
| intermediate motor play
| A swing is one of those classic products that cannot be missed on a playground. Many children like the thrill of swinging, and so it is a must have. The Curve-XL is a bit bigger and stronger than a standard seat, which makes it also usable for older children (or even adults). |
HDPE play panels
| basic motor play
| Just like the OXO spinners, these play panels can be used in many different ways. Children can play with the panels in the way they are intended, but they can also play with the sliders, touch the tactile surface, listen to the sound as the sliders move across the board ... The panels are generally easy to use and do not require any special strength or skill. |
Musical instrument ‘Calypso’
 | intermediate motor play 
| Musical instruments are suitable for a wide range of users but are especially interesting for children who are disadvantaged in social-emotional terms. The instruments can be played together or alone. They can be used to make sounds and require a minimum of fine motor and cognitive skills to play a melody. |
Pulley with sand bucket
| intermediate motor play
| This product is ideal for symbolic and constructive play. It has an imaginative aspect and can be used to build sand castles. It can be used alone or with others. It’s a great product to encourage interaction and cooperation by moving sand between platforms of different heights. |
Rubber baby seat ‘Curve’
| basic motor play
| This rubber baby seat with railing and T-bar allows small children to sit securely and safely while swinging. The seats are specifically made for children up to about three years of age. At this age, children still mainly enjoy the movements themselves and mainly play on their own. |
About the authors:
Filip Gerits and Yves De Keuster are designers and researchers specialised in design and safety of activity toys and play infrastructure. For this topic we were happy to count on the indispensable support of a range of experts, children and parents with experience in the field of inclusive play. We especially like to thank Kathleen Op De Beeck - specialised in occupational therapy and inclusive education at AP – university college in Antwerp, Belgium – for her input and enthusiasm.
