A Phygital Approach to Playful Experience in Learning Process for Kids with Special Educational Needs

Screen-based interactive devices stand as effective supports for playful experience in learning processes for kids with special edu- cational needs. The paper presents a design path of the development of a new phygital tool able to support and to improve the treat- ment of some learning disorder. In line with the state-of-the-art of theoretical research about playful learning in children with special needs, the research moves from the development of ‘1,2,3 Stella!’ app, that works with a screen-based interaction learning process, to the possibilities offered by product-screen interaction. The research, through tests on prototype provided by NuovaMente Children’s Diagnostic Centre, concludes that the development of hybrid re- ality game, involving both physical and virtual reality, improves therapeutic treatment in children with special needs.