21 MODULE 1: TERM 1 – Introducing the world of design
Psychologists, doctors, and many other experts in the field of child development will agree on the im- portance of toys as a tool to enhance developmental skills. What we find very interesting are the tools that are used to develop these skills. Tese toys or games all had to be designed by someone so that these much needed and specific skills could be developed.
Tis industry is a very good example of how design is being used for social and skills development. Despite the fact that so many people agree on the
importance of early development, using tools and products that are designed for this purpose, it is an ongoing struggle to convince people about the im- portance of design and the value it can add to fur- ther development. It is also a struggle to convince some that creativity and the design subject or career path is an intellectual activity that includes innova- tion and problem-solving skills. We should continue to foster the development of every child and use cre- ativity and design as a valuable tool to do so. Tese skills could greatly improve learning in all subjects.