PolyPlay Web: A Beacon of Innovation in Design Education

Experience the Fusion of Play and Design in this Inspirational Online Platform

Originating from the Toy Design Lab, PolyPlay Web has evolved into a comprehensive platform that explores how play can enhance design education, practice, and research. The platform is a testament to Hong Kong's shift from 'Made in Hong Kong' to 'HK-designed', reflecting a significant change in value perception. It serves as a source of inspiration for students, a hub for innovative approaches, a tool for research, a medium for commercializing projects, and a catalyst for industry collaborations.

The PolyPlay Web platform is unique in its approach to design. It showcases over 150 design projects, all conceived for or informed by play. The platform's design facilitates easy project browsing, with a drop-down menu leading to various playwork projects. Each project may belong to multiple categories, providing a diverse range of design perspectives.

Access to the full content of the website requires an access code, ensuring copyright protection. Interested users can request a temporary access code by completing an online form available on the website's landing page. This process ensures that the platform remains a secure space for showcasing innovative design projects.

The PolyPlay Web platform was launched in 2014 at the International Toy Research Association 7th World Congress in Portugal. It was later presented to the international toy industry community at the 2015 Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference. The project was awarded the Japan Institute for Design Promotion 2015 Good Design Award, also known as G-Mark, further cementing its place in the design industry.

PolyPlay Web is more than just a design platform. It is a research tool that investigates the relevance of play to design practice, exploration, education, and research. It uses play theory and toy design practices to inspire designers and inform better design practices. The platform showcases experimentation carried out in teaching, research, and consultancy, bridging academia, industry, and community.

Despite the challenges faced, including user-as-player-centered research probes and experimental creative processes, PolyPlay Web has managed to curate over 150 playworks categorized along 9 branches of play. The platform encourages students to play with industry codes to nurture personal perspectives, fostering a culture of innovation that embraces creativity, technology, and communication.