| Yeo Kai Yan, Dionne |
Hi, I’m Dionne, a designer driven by curiosity about how everyday life is shaped by the systems around us.
I began my journey in Communication Design at Temasek Polytechnic, and through my current degree at UAS-Lasalle’s BA (Hons) Design for Social Futures, I’ve been peeling back layers of how different systems, disciplines, and people intersect to create shared spaces of meaning and communal care. This process has reshaped how I see design,not just as visual output, but as an evolving network of relationships and decisions.
My work is grounded in curiosity and guided by research, planning, and a deep interest in human-centered approaches. I’m drawn to the in-between spaces: where observation becomes insight, and insight becomes action.
At the core of my practice is collaboration and designing with intention.
Spaces We Play
To better understand children’s behaviours and preferences, a series of participatory activities were conducted. These included a block hunting activity, where children navigated the space to find clues and materials, and a clay crafting activity, where they created their favourite elements and contributed to a shared display. Through these activities, it became evident that play is highly process-driven, with children valuing freedom, creativity, and social interaction. They approached materials in diverse ways, negotiated with peers, and continuously redefined how a space was used.
Building on these insights, the project proposes a hybrid approach that connects physical play with a digital environment using Roblox. Roblox as a platform was chosen from conversations with the children on which platform they were most familiar with.
The physical component invites children and visitors to create and rearrange clay elements, forming a collective and evolving installation. This open-ended system allows for ongoing participation and reinforces a sense of shared ownership. In parallel, the digital space recreates aspects of the neighbourhood based on children’s experiences and contributions. It enables users to explore familiar environments, discover new possibilities, and engage with elements that may not be accessible in real life.
The digital environment also serves as a platform for continuity. It allows children to revisit shared moments, interact with others beyond physical constraints, and extend their play through imagination and exploration. Elements such as NPCs further incorporate children’s voices, sharing their thoughts and prompting reflection. Together, the physical and digital components form a continuous loop, where play is generated, translated, and reimagined across spaces.
Ultimately, Spaces We Play highlights the role of play as a tool for placemaking. By recognising children as active contributors rather than passive users, it demonstrates how design can support their agency in shaping meaningful environments. The integration of physical and digital spaces offers new opportunities for connection, creativity, and community, allowing play to exist as an ongoing and evolving process rather than a fixed moment in time.