This special project is very close to our hearts. It all began with a fortuitous order from Mrs. Wiesner, the head of early intervention at the Aschaffenburg Institute for the Blind. This order inspired us to launch a collaboration specifically focused on the needs of children with delayed or impaired visual development, as well as children with no visual perception – and moreover, designed for all children. Our products are deliberately designed to be appealing and beneficial for every child, regardless of any impairment. After several visits to the Institute for the Blind and intensive discussions with the dedicated staff on-site, we were able to develop a special product line. This collection is aimed at children who need special support in the areas of perception and development. From the very beginning, the collaboration was characterized by creativity and commitment, and something unique has emerged that benefits children, parents, and educators alike.
Our specially developed products playfully promote tactile perception, hearing, and motor development – skills that are particularly important for children with visual impairments but are also valuable for every child. By integrating the feedback and ideas of local specialists, we have ensured that our products meet the high demands of early intervention and offer educators valuable support in their daily work.
In conversation with Ms. Wiesner
Background and Motivation
How did you get in touch with Jolly Designs?
Colleagues from early intervention, who have young children themselves, became aware of Jolly Designs' products and recommended them for our children's development. What particularly appealed to us about the products was their great design, the tactile quality, and the chosen themes. Since we wanted to order a larger number of books, I wrote to you asking for a discount. Fortunately, we immediately received a positive response from you with an offer to collaborate, which we gladly accepted. This made it possible to advise you on the special needs of visually impaired or blind children and subsequently to receive new products to choose from.
Development process
What special needs and requirements of visually impaired and blind children were considered during product development?
- Good contrast
- Spacing between individual illustrations or objects
- Monochromatic background
- Black and white elements
- Avoidance of "cluttered" pages and overlapping elements
- Expansion of tactile elements
- Development of special books for blind children
Product properties
What specific features and characteristics do the products have to help visually impaired and blind children?
This overlaps somewhat with the previous point. Additionally, individual elements from the book are detachable but still fastened to the page with a string so they don't get lost. No sharp edges (as with some paper books) that a blind child could cut themselves on. Due to the felt and fabric design, the pages do not lie tightly together and are therefore easier to turn. Compared to paper or cardboard books, a new haptic experience is possible through fabric and felt. Many interactive experiences are possible with the books, as closures and pockets are incorporated. All in all, Jolly books offer a wide range of experiential possibilities.
Feedback and Improvements
What feedback have you received from children and their parents about the products?
We consistently receive very positive feedback. Thanks to the beautiful design, not only the children but also the parents enjoy the books. The detailed feedback often concerns the points I have already mentioned in the product features. Incidentally, the parrot with the shimmering sequins is very popular with children. Glitter objects are very attractive for the eye.
Impact and Success
Do you have examples of how the products have improved children's lives?
It is very difficult to attribute success directly to the Jolly books, as we use different materials with the children in every lesson and therefore cannot say what particularly favored a development.
What measurable successes or positive changes have you observed since the introduction of the products?
Ultimately, the success lies in the fact that children enjoy playing with the products, meaning they meet the child's needs exactly. A product that does not take visual impairment into account is quickly set aside.
How did you get in touch with Jolly Designs?
Colleagues from early intervention, who have young children themselves, became aware of Jolly Designs' products and recommended them for our children's development. What particularly appealed to us about the products was their great design, the tactile quality, and the chosen themes. Since we wanted to order a larger number of books, I wrote to you asking for a discount. Fortunately, we immediately received a positive response from you with an offer to collaborate, which we gladly accepted. This made it possible to advise you on the special needs of visually impaired or blind children and subsequently to receive new products to choose from.
What special needs and requirements of visually impaired and blind children were considered during product development?
- Good contrast
- Spacing between individual illustrations or objects
- Monochromatic background
- Black and white elements
- Avoidance of "cluttered" pages and overlapping elements
- Expansion of tactile elements
- Development of special books for blind children
What specific features and characteristics do the products have to help visually impaired and blind children?
This overlaps somewhat with the previous point. Additionally, individual elements from the book are detachable but still fastened to the page with a string so they don't get lost. No sharp edges (as with some paper books) that a blind child could cut themselves on. Due to the felt and fabric design, the pages do not lie tightly together and are therefore easier to turn. Compared to paper or cardboard books, a new haptic experience is possible through fabric and felt. Many interactive experiences are possible with the books, as closures and pockets are incorporated. All in all, Jolly books offer a wide range of experiential possibilities.
What feedback have you received from children and their parents about the products?
We consistently receive very positive feedback. Thanks to the beautiful design, not only the children but also the parents enjoy the books. The detailed feedback often concerns the points I have already mentioned in the product features. Incidentally, the parrot with the shimmering sequins is very popular with children. Glitter objects are very attractive for the eye.
Do you have examples of how the products have improved children's lives?
It is very difficult to attribute success directly to the Jolly books, as we use different materials with the children in every lesson and therefore cannot say what particularly favored a development.
What measurable successes or positive changes have you observed since the introduction of the products?
Ultimately, the success lies in the fact that children enjoy playing with the products, meaning they meet the child's needs exactly. A product that does not take visual impairment into account is quickly set aside.
Achieving more together
For us at the Blindeninstitut in Aschaffenburg, the collaboration is a really great asset. You have developed products for us that we otherwise wouldn't find on the open market. We previously designed and glued some products ourselves in time-consuming crafting. However, the result was not always aesthetically pleasing. Now we receive suitable products combined with an appealing design and excellent workmanship. We are very happy about this and hope that we can continue this creative collaboration with you.
For us at Jolly Designs, it is a great privilege to support this project with the Blindeninstitut. We are grateful for the collaboration with such a dedicated team that works daily to improve the lives of these children. It fills us with joy that our products not only offer new development opportunities for the children and their families but also support educators in their important work.