Research

Premise

Play is a universal phenomenon, a basic motivation, and a birthright of children. The exhibition, ‘Play and Gender Expression’, conveys this core value as the benchmark of how a nation’s treatment of its children can be measured and improved. It is an attitude of connecting generations to explore the role of Play in children's learning and development and the foundation for adult achievement and creativity. UNESCO further mentioned that encouraging creativity from an early age is one of the best methods for ensuring growth in a healthy environment of self-esteem and mutual respect - critical ingredients for building a culture of peace. It is crucial to address the role of adults in nurturing and stimulating various modes of expression for children. Freedom of Play is a broader concept where equality is an inherent characteristic; it is our responsibility to identify different aspects that lead towards inclusion to motivate children in their future roles in society. Out of the vast spectrum of different modes of expression initiated through biology, psychology, and sociology, the topic of Gender Expression is emergent and relevant towards the role of adults in children's development process. The dynamics of the topic are further aggravated if we consider the extensive number of key agents related to the problem of gender discrimination. In a country like Portugal, where gender inequality is engraved at many levels, such as economically, socially, and politically, there is a need to address the problem space with the connection of the country's citizens of tomorrow. It focuses on understanding the vital needs of our children to motivate them towards a better future which is more equitable, and opportunity driven.

The exhibition is part of a larger research plan from the doctorate in design at UNIDCOM/IADE, named ‘Social Awareness and Cultural Significance in Designing (Non) Gendered Toys’, under the supervision of Prof. Eduardo Gonçalves and Prof. António Gorgel from IADE. The study is being funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). The critical design artefacts from the exhibition were designed and developed within the study as integral parts of the Inclusive Play Framework. With three levels - Identify, Diversify, and Inclusify, the framework uses Design for Behaviour Change and Inclusive Design to measure gender-inclusive awareness. Several workshops have already been conducted to analyse the applications of the framework with selected families from Portugal. The exhibition proposes understanding the same in the context of the general public, such as students, professors, and staff within a university environment addressing Portuguese culture and beyond. The exhibition initiates a data collection approach, which asks the viewer to prioritise and determine answers after experiencing each of the artifacts exhibited. Henceforth, the initiative tries to measure qualitative data by effectively implementing and translating in the form of tacit knowledge.