Abstract
The UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, 'Quality Education', aims to achieve equitable education for all by 2030. Target 4.2 aims to ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood development (ECD) and pre-primary education in preparation for primary education. However, access to adequate ECD in South Africa is currently inequitable. The early years of life play a pivotal role in a person's lifelong development and well-being. Sensory integration refers to the brain's ability to process information received through the senses. Effective sensory integration during early childhood is critical, as it lays the foundation for cognitive development. Inadequate opportunities for holistic sensory integration can result in underdeveloped neural pathways leading to future academic, social, and emotional difficulties. Play serves as a platform for learning, growth, and development, and it plays a pivotal role in effective sensory integration. There is a scarcity of publicly available sensory-integrated play spaces or playgrounds in under-resourced communities in South Africa. This can be attributed to a lack of governmental funding and maintenance, as well as limited awareness regarding the importance of 'play' for ECD. Consequently, preschool children from under-resourced communities in South Africa face an increased risk of experiencing academic challenges. Improving sensory integration for preschool children in under-resourced communities could improve their cognitive development and scholarly performance and enhance their overall well-being. This paper presents findings from an Industrial Design BA Honours practice-based research project that explores how Design Thinking and Appropriate Technology Theory could inform the design of low-cost sensory-enriched ECD playgrounds for children in under-resourced communities. Employing a participatory, human-centred design approach, this project applied Design Thinking to develop a contextually appropriate innovative solution. The outcome Sensescape, is a low-cost, easy-to-assemble, adaptable playground design, crafted from locally available and recycled materials and standard components, enabling the system to be both locally produced and maintained.