Unlocking Imagination: Peer Ponder Play Awarded India’s Best Design Project 2023

Developed for the Chennai Photo Biennale Edition III, ‘Peer Ponder Play’ is a multilingual children’s activity book that invites young readers to creatively explore their surroundings. With quirky visuals, interactive activities and engaging prompts, the book fosters curiosity, and imagination, making learning an enjoyable experience for children.

Incorporating Inclusivity and Creativity in Education

Creating an activity book that caters to a diverse age group, from 3 to 12 years old, while maintaining gender neutrality and relatability, can be challenging. It involves designing content that is visually engaging and accessible to young children while also providing depth and intrigue for older children. The solution to this challenge is found in the innovative design of the Peer Ponder Play activity book. The book uses familiar animals, such as house cats, stray dogs, pigeons, and ants, to engage young children. These relatable characters provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, making the book appealing across various age groups.

For children aged 9 and above, the book incorporates a fun visual narrative that adds depth and intrigue, encouraging them to explore and interact with the content. The minimal use of human characters and ample white space ensures the book is easy to consume and avoids gender associations, making it inclusive for all children. The illustrations are minimally coloured, inviting children to use their creativity. It not only fosters participation but also allows children to personalise their experience, making the book a unique and interactive tool for learning.

New is Good

In a country like India, where arts-based education is still uncommon in schools, Peer Ponder Play is making significant strides in integrating creativity into the curriculum. The program has reached over 100,000 students from more than 1,500 classrooms across various states, from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu. Additionally, over 400 educators have been trained to teach and incorporate these activities into their lessons.

The book’s reach continues to expand, traveling to underprivileged schools, NGOs, and schools in low-income areas. By promoting arts-based education and social well-being through engaging activities, Peer Ponder Play is making a meaningful impact on children’s education and development. This initiative is more than just an activity book; it is an attempt to incorporate real-life learnings and stimulate creativity and imagination in children. By bridging the gap between creativity and education, Peer Ponder Play is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative approach to learning for children across India.

Credit: Studio Atom