The chapter provides an insight into the role of design and sensory experiences in public health and ageing well through the lenses of playful design. It presents, through a number of relevant examples, the role of playfulness as a trigger for engaging people and especially older adults with physical exercise through tangible play. Emphasis is placed on the potential, benefits and challenges of designing playful sensory experiences and activities (interventions) for public health and ageing well.
Following a review of the relevant literature on playfulness and sensory experiences and health, a number of projects that incorporate playfulness and sensory experiences are presented. This is followed by a presentation of the Active Parks case study.
Active Parks co-created an interactive and playful walking trail that offers casual physical activity in one of Lancaster city’s park. Working with the local community and a several key stakeholders a number of interactive and playful multisensory proof-of-concept prototypes were designed, developed and tested in the park.
Based on the literature and the aforementioned case study a number of recommendations are provided on how to design playful sensory experiences for public health.
This is the first paper of its kind to offer such practical recommendations that aim at public health and playfulness focusing on adults and older users.