Design and Development of an Interactive Vest for Enhancing the Cognitive and Motor Skills of Preschool Children
Abstract
The preschool period plays a vital role in a child's overall development. Designing engaging educational environments and learning tools that correspond to children's developmental characteristics during this stage is a key factor in enhancing cognitive and motor skills. This study aimed to design and develop an interactive educational vest as an innovative learning tool that extends beyond its conventional function as clothing to serve as an educational medium. The research employed a descriptive, applied, design-based methodology. Preliminary data were collected through a literature review on the foundations of child development, clothing design, play-based learning, and aesthetic principles. Following an analysis of developmental needs, two educational vest prototypes—one for girls and one for boys were designed and constructed using materials such as fabric and felt. The vests incorporate a variety of interactive components, including zippers, buckles, buttons, geometric shapes, a teaching clock, the water cycle, and thematic puzzles, all designed to enhance hand–eye coordination, improve concentration, foster problem-solving abilities, and facilitate the learning of fundamental concepts such as numbers, colors, and nature. The findings indicate that integrating aesthetic principles with interactive features significantly enhances visual appeal, increases children's motivation, and encourages their active participation in the learning process. As practical tools for indirect instruction, the educational vests transform learning into a play-based experience, thereby contributing effectively to the development of preschool children's cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. The study suggests that the design of interactive educational clothing can serve as an innovative complementary approach within early childhood education systems.
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