Design Conjecture - Turn Everyday Errands Into a Family Adventure
Based on the Primary Research Survey, running errands was the most common reason for car trips. Instead of simply being passengers, children can choose the stops they want to make using physical tokens such as grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, or Grandma’s house. These tokens are placed into the center armrest, creating a route on the car’s digital map.
The interaction is simple. Children take out the tokens, place them in the order they choose, and watch the surrounding lights turn on as each stop is added. The map updates in real time, and when the route is complete, a sound lets the family know they are ready to go.
The concept turns a routine task into a small shared decision making activity. The physical tokens also make the process more playful and understandable for younger children.
Though this concept gives everyone in the car a small role in the journey, it has limitations, including the limited range of physical tokens and questions about how practical and feasible it would be for children to plan a trip while considering time efficiency.
References
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