Nika: a hybrid play-based technological experience for enhancing executive functions and emotional regulation in children with autism spectrum disorder

Executive functions play a crucial role in children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development; however, they are frequently impaired in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), significantly affecting behavioral regulation, cognitive flexibility, and school participation. This research proposes an innovative and inclusive approach to supporting the development of executive functions in children aged 6 to 10 through NIKA, a hybrid play-based experience integrating interactive digital tools, tangible physical devices, and structured collaboration among therapists, educators, and families. The project adopts a design-based research approach, combining iterative prototyping with stakeholder involvement across educational and therapeutic contexts. NIKA integrates a customizable interactive application—designed to adapt to individual sensory, cognitive, and emotional profiles—with four tangible joystick devices developed according to ergonomic and tactile-sensory design principles. Together, these components support the training of working memory, planning, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and emotional awareness through embodied interaction, narrative engagement, and game based activities. The experience is structured within a narrative environment guided by the character Nika, who motivates and supports the child through progressive storytelling, feedback, and non-competitive gamification strategies. A dedicated platform for therapists and educators enables progress monitoring, activity configuration, and shared observation, fostering continuity across school, home, and therapeutic settings. Grounded in Human-Centred Design, inclusivity, and co-design principles, NIKA represents an significant contribution to educational technology and special education, offering a scalable hybrid system in which technology, play, and relational engagement converge to support executive functions and emotional regulation.