Children's study desk design that supports continuous learning through fun interactive design

Abstract

The urgency of an adaptive learning environment is a decisive factor in fostering continuous education for early childhood, specifically those aged 5–6 years. Current observations reveal that conventional study desks in Kindergartens (TK) remain rigid, often failing to facilitate the vital synergy between structured learning and spontaneous play. This research, centered at TK Telkom Buah Batu Bandung, aims to develop an educational furniture piece that transcends basic ergonomics by integrating user-centered interaction design tailored to a child's developmental needs. The methodology adopts a comprehensive User Experience (UX) framework consisting of three pivotal phases: ethnographic observation of children’s behavioral patterns, contextual interviews with educators to understand classroom dynamics, and rapid prototyping trials to gather immediate functional feedback. This UX data serves as the primary catalyst for an interaction design that harmonizes cognitive tasks with physical motor activities. The outcome of this study is a transformative modular desk capable of seamless transitions between a formal ergonomic learning mode and an interactive play configuration. Innovative features include explorative, erasable surfaces and integrated storage for educational tools, ensuring ease of access. Findings indicate that applying a UX-driven approach enhances student engagement, stimulates creative thinking, and facilitates fluid transitions between activities, thereby cultivating a joyful yet productive learning atmosphere. By synthesizing ergonomic requirements with the psychological nuances of the child’s experience, this design establishes a new benchmark for creating effective, memorable, and interactive educational environments within TK Telkom Buah Batu.