Abstract:

Executive functions play a crucial role in children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development, yet they are often 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 support the development of executive functions in children aged 6 to 10 through Nika, a hybrid play-based experience that integrates interactive digital tools, physical devices, and close collaboration among therapists, teachers, and families.

The project combines a customizable interactive application—designed to adapt to the user’s sensory, cognitive, and emotional profile—with four types of physical joysticks developed according to ergonomic and tactile-sensory design principles. Together, these elements train working memory, planning, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and emotional awareness through game-based activities, movement, and narrative engagement. The experience is structured around a narrative environment led by the character Nika, who guides and motivates the child through levels, rewards, and progressive storytelling, transforming play into active and participatory learning.

A dedicated platform for therapists and educators enables progress monitoring, appointment management, sensory-parameter configuration, and shared observation, creating an integrated educational ecosystem that prevents child isolation and fosters a collaborative model bridging school, home, and therapy. The entire project is grounded in Human-Centred Design, inclusivity, and co-design principles, aiming to build an accessible, motivating, and adaptive environment.

Nika emerges as an innovative contribution to the fields of educational technology and special education: a hybrid system in which technology, play, and relational engagement intersect to support the development of executive functions and emotional regulation, promoting scalable and inclusive practices across therapeutic, school, and family contexts.

Keywords:

Hybrid Play-Based Learning, Educational Technology, Inclusive Design, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Human-Centred Design.