Survey

Distributed to parents in the Mamaroneck School District, specifically families of students at Central Elementary School. The school has approximately 550 students, and the survey was designed to reach the parents of those children. Parents were instructed to complete the survey with all of their children in mind, considering differences in age as well as family dynamics. In total, I received 41 responses.

The survey included a range of questions, starting with general inquiries about parents’ experiences with their children in the car and their household meditation or relaxation habits, and narrowing toward questions focused on ambiance and sensory design.

The survey revealed key insights into child behaviors, parental stressors, and the role of sensory and technological features in the car. Children most often responded with curiosity, boredom, or calm, while parents identified sibling arguments and repeated complaints as primary stressors. Calming influences included classical or nature sounds, creative activities, sensory tools, and cuddling with stuffed animals. Parents also highlighted the value of interactive technology such as voice assistance, AI-driven user preferences, and advanced heads-up displays. These findings point to opportunities for enhancing climate control, comfort features, sensory details, materiality, interactive components and designing for connection.

References.

Grammarly. (n.d.). https://app.grammarly.com/