Event Report

Hosted an
Inclusive Design Workshop
as Part of
the Tochigi Prefecture
STEAM Education Project

Photos from the workshop.

The Sony Creative Center participated in a workshop for high school students that was held as part of a Tochigi Prefecture STEAM education promotion project. The theme of the workshop, which was organized and operated by the Tochigi Prefectural Board of Education in collaboration with Prima Pinguino Co., Ltd., and PLAYWORKS Inc., was “Create a new something that everyone can enjoy together!” In the first half, we introduced XR Catch, a game that involves using sound to throw and catch a "virtual ball," and that Sony designers developed using inclusive design methodology alongside lead users with visual impairments. We also had the high school students eat snacks and walk around using an actual white cane while blindfolded, amongst other activities. In the second half, the students spoke with those with visual impairments, and broke out into groups to discuss each individual's vision of inclusive design, engage in rapid prototyping, and share the prototypes with the rest of the participants. The students who participated gave various comments: "I want to tell my family and friends so we can all think about inclusive design together," "I want to live my life so I can have fun with people with impairments, instead of having them have fun on their own," "I want to think from lots of different perspectives when thinking about things," "I want to think about what I can do in the course of my daily life to make society a place that's more convenient and comfortable for all," and more. It was clear that they had all worked together and had fun engaging in the activities for the workshop.

Group photo of everyone who participated in the workshop

Mr. Yamashita,Director of High School Education Division, Tochigi Prefectural Board of Education

This workshop provided the students not only with a new experience, but with a new sense of perspective. We hope that they will use this as a starting point to examine their own surroundings, community, and society, and develop the attitude and ability to bring change to society themselves.

Workshop - Overview

Date/Time
August 2 (Fri.), 2024
Location
Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Target
24 high school students from four model high schools in Tochigi Prefecture STEAM education promotion project