Code & Comfort: Designing Interactive Comfort Toys with Microbit and 3D Printing

This project originates from personal experience, growing up with a mother who had epilepsy, and explores how design can support children facing similar challenges. The goal is to create comforting, interactive tools that help children navigate moments of fear and uncertainty.

The latest iteration is a 3D-printable toy character powered by a Microsoft Micro:bit and a servo motor. When shaken, the toy activates a five-minute digital timer—reflecting the average length of an epileptic episode—displayed on an LED screen. Simultaneously, the character’s head moves into a “disappearance state,” represented by a ghost shape. As time passes, the LED visually counts down. At the end of the countdown, the head returns to its original position, and the screen displays the message: “I am back!” offering relief and emotional closure for the child.

The project has advanced to the workshop and user testing phase; participants upload and test the Micro:bit code and assemble the toy. This hands-on process generates valuable user insights while emphasizing the emotional resonance of completing a functioning toy—a tangible outcome fostering a sense of agency.

By merging emotional storytelling with interactive making, this project expands the scope of graphic design to address pressing social and emotional needs. These toys aim to help children build resilience, manage anxiety, and regain a sense of control in otherwise unpredictable situations.