Objective:

The aim of this study was to create roleplay games for children with mild intellectual disability, their caregivers, and their peers, who promote their social inclusion.

Materials and methods:

This project had an interdisciplinary approach, integrating inputs from medical doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists and industrial designers. It followed an action-participation research methodology that included interviews to participants, experimental use of the design and creation of a final prototype.

Results:

MoJi is a free access playing kit that promotes social inclusion through the children with a mild intellectual disability, their caretakers, and their peer’s involvement. The kit includes a light projector in the shape of a character (Mo or Ji), cards to project different shapes, and a map guide that delineates the space for the game. All elements can be downloaded to be assembled by the caregiver and the child with mild intellectual disability, and they were designed to be used in public spaces to attract the attention of other children.

Conclusions:

MoJi was designed by an interdisciplinary team to promote the strengthening of bonds between caregivers and children with intellectual disability, as well as the spontaneous interaction between the latter and other children of their age; this is expected to facilitate their social inclusion. Furthermore, MoJi may promote the autonomy, creativity, fine motor skills, and the ability to explore development, adaptation, and navigate the environment. Therefore, MoJi may be an excellent addition to any toy chest, but especially for children with intellectual disability.

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