Implementing a multi-sensory “Bag-of-stuff” in co-design sessions with autistic and non-autistic children

This study explores the creation and observation of interactions between autistic and non-autistic children with a custom-designed, multi-sensory “Bag-of-stuff” during co-design sessions of a collaborative play toy. The “Bag-of-stuff” features a variety of sensory materials selected through the paired choice assessment technique to enhance the children’s involvement in the co-design process. Insights gleaned from observing these interactions offer a deeper understanding of how multi-sensory tools can promote participation and engagement among autistic and non-autistic children in the design process. Additionally, this paper suggests future directions for research, including investigating various sensory dimensions and refining choice presentation methods to optimize children’s engagement in the co-design process.