A playground redesign that uses spatial planning, colour coded zones and playful trails to guide safer movement for children
How this project started?
Identify a real safety problem through research.
Design and prototype a solution for the identified problem.
In urban playgrounds, overcrowding, poor maintenance and overlapping play patterns can increase the risk of injury. For children aged 4–6, falls, collisions and unsafe equipment are recurring concerns.
I started by mapping the problem space , explored different areas of child safety, from transportation and emergency response to playground environments, before narrowing the research toward playground safety.
Playground injuries are a leading cause of emergency room visits among young children. In India, particularly in urban areas like Mumbai, children aged 4 to 6 are prone to injuries from falls, collisions, and improper use of playground equipment. Common injuries include minor cuts, bruises, fractures, and dislocations, many of which occur due to unsafe surfaces, equipment misuse, and poor maintenance.
Falls, collisions and equipment misuse
Steep slides don’t account for a child’s weight or developmental stage, causing children to drop too quickly and lose control.
Rough, hard surfaces like concrete or gravel contribute to injuries. The lack of impact-absorbing materials increases the likelihood of cuts, bruises and fractures.
Wear and tear often goes unnoticed, increasing the risk of injury. Lack of regular safety checks and maintenance leads to unsafe conditions.
Extreme weather (e.g. heat or rain) can make equipment slippery, leading to falls, burns and abrasions.
A safer playground is possible with thoughtful design.
→Once it was identified that playground safety is a huge concern , it was time to build a solution while keeping in mind that a playground is a fun environment to be
A design approach that combines safer equipment, smarter layouts, better materials and clear guidance — creating a fun and secure environment for children aged 4–6.
Adjustable, age-appropriate equipment based on age, weight and physical abilities for a safer play experience.
Use rubber mulch, synthetic turf or padded tiles to create softer landing zones, especially around high-risk equipment.
Separate zones for high-energy (e.g. swings, slides) and low-energy activities (e.g. sandboxes) to reduce overcrowding and accidents.
Clear, engaging signage to educate children and caregivers about safe play behaviours, with visual cues and simple warnings.
Open sightlines and designated seating areas for caregivers ensure better supervision and safer play environment.
How might we improve playground surfaces with materials that absorb impact, reducing injuries from falls while remaining cost-effective for suburban communities in Mumbai?
A zone-based playground design that uses colour, space and movement to create a safer and more intuitive play experience for children aged 4–6.
High-risk areas around swings, slides, and merry-go-rounds. Injury prone areas.
Moderate-risk transition areas between high and low risk.
Low-risk areas for free play or resting.
Durable, bicolor trails guide children safely between zones, acting as playful signage.
Sufficient spacing between equipment to reduce overcrowding, with clear sightlines for supervision.
Playful and child-friendly colours teach children about zones and trails in a simple, fun way.
Design zones and trails to align with natural play patterns while guiding safe movement.
A scaled architectural model (1:32) of the redesigned playground was created, supported by CAD designs and 3D-printed elements. The model incorporated laser-cut elements to reflect real-world measurements.
The children will definitely look at the trails and follow
them so this will avoid collision
The color coded zone is simple
but can turn out to be effective as children may psychologically start slowing down as they see the color red
Include activities that require:
This would make kids proceed with a sense of caution and responsibility causing fewer accidents while still having fun