Designing the Internet of Toys for and with Children: A Participatory Design Case Study

This chapter critically reflects on a participatory design (PD) approach that was used by an interdisciplinary team to design new Internet of Toys applications for the home and school environment (the WOOPI project). PD aims to empower people in the design of technology and is characterized by three core principles: having a say, mutual learning and co-realization. Overall, the project was positively evaluated, but adhering to PD’s principles proved to be challenging due to conflicting agendas among the project partners, the target group’s young ages (4–6 years) and a tight project schedule. Based on the lessons learned, six guidelines are presented to adhere to PD’s core principles and strengthen users’ participation, including children, in the design of connected toys.