Building upon children’s book design experience with Dert Publishing, this project is an activity book designed to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in early childhood through engaging, tactile experiences. By age 4, children require motor precision for essential tasks such as writing, drawing, and self-care. This project addresses these developmental milestones by combining playful line-based exercises with intuitive design elements that guide children through stimulating movements.
Academic / Individual Project from Jan-May 2024.
Used Photoshop, Illustrator, and Procreate.
The distinguishing white colors were selected to create a high-contrast effect with the colorful, tactile lines and interactive elements. This contrast naturally draws the child’s eye to the areas of engagement, subtly guiding them through each activity without overwhelming their developing visual processing skills.
Tasks such as tracing lines, connecting dots, and following shapes require controlled hand movements, fostering the dexterity needed for writing, drawing, and daily self-care tasks.
To ensure Follow the Line meets the developmental needs and interests of young children, I conducted usability testing with both a 3-year-old child and their parent. During the test, I observed that while the child was initially drawn to the vibrant illustrations, they needed guidance to notice and follow the tracing lines. Once the parent introduced the activity, the child quickly became engaged, showing improvement in following the lines with repeated attempts. This interaction validated the importance of combining visual storytelling with tactile engagement.
Further to help children identify the lines independently, without relying on external guidance, I plan to integrate tactile elements into the tracing lines for the final version of the book. For example, the lines will be designed as slightly raised, rope-like textures, allowing children to feel and follow them with their fingers. This adjustment will enhance the sensory experience, further promoting fine motor skill development and hand-eye coordination.
