Designing for inclusion in public playgrounds: a scoping review of definitions, and utilization of universal design

Figures & data

Table 1. Electronic databases, search terms, and criteria for inclusion.

Electronic databases	Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Education, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed
Search terms	Playground terms
	(playground* OR “play space*” OR playspace* OR “outdoor play space*” OR “outdoor play environment*”)
	Non-discriminatory planning and design terms
	(universal* design* OR “barrier free design*” OR “design* for all” OR “building* for everyone” OR “access* design” OR “inclus* design*” OR “architect* access*”)
Criteria for inclusion	Written in English; Focussed on public playgrounds intended for public use; Focussed on non-discriminatory planning and design processes for built environments with the aim of promoting inclusion; Published in peer-reviewed journals; Available in full-text.

Figure 1. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) [57] study selection flowchart.

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The PRISMA flow diagram maps out the number of records identified, included and excluded, and the reasons for exclusion.

Table 3. Terms and definitions used in included peer reviewed articles.

Reference and country	Year	Author discipline(s)	Terminology					Definition/description of terminology used
			Inclusion	Accessibility	Usability	Inclusive Design	UD	Inclusion	Accessibility	Usability	Inclusive design	UD
Ayatac and Pola [61], Turkey	2016	Architecture; LA	•	•	•	•		ND	Inclusive spaces are all accessible; however, from time-to-time accessible spaces fail to possess the characteristics of an inclusive space.	ND	Inclusive design refers to the process in order to design products and environments that can be used by as many individuals as possible in as many occasions as possible [71].
Fernelius and Christensen [48], US	2017	LA; Environmental Planning	•	•	•	•	•	Inclusion on the playground refers to creating an environment where all children have equal access and opportunity to engage in play as well as social interactions [65].	A playground that has as few physical barriers as possible, providing the opportunity for children of all abilities to physically approach the playground components, is deemed “accessible”.	ND	An inclusive environment is designed to promote participation in the social aspects of play as well as physical access to the playground components.	ND
Lynch et al. [34], Ireland	2018	OT	•	•	•	•	•	ND	ND	ND	ND	UD is underpinned by seven principles [36] that aim to examine existing designs, guide the design process and act as a source of information on designing more usable products and environments.
Moore and Lynch [40], Ireland	2015	OT	•	•	•		•	ND	Accessibility can be defined as the encounter between the functional capacity of the individual and the demands of the physical environment [63]. Accessibility also refers to compliance with official guidelines [63].	Usability refers to the ability to access and use the environment on equal terms with others [63]. Usability does not focus on official standards and guidelines [63].		ND
Olsen and Dieser [60], US	2012	Health, Physical Education and Leisure	•	•	•	•	•	ND	ND	ND	ND	ND
Perry et al. [62], New Zealand	2018	Physiotherapy	•	•	•			ND	Accessibility is defined as, the encounter between the person's or group's functional capacity and the design and demands of the physical environment [63].	Usability is defined as, “a measure of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction” using a given facility or service [63].
Prellwitz and Skär [21], Sweden	2007	OT; Nursing	•	•	•		•	ND	ND	The concept of usability implies that a person should be able to move around, be in and use the environment on equal terms with others [63,72,73].		UD supports the need for usability by designing products and environments that are usable by all people without specialized design.
Prellwitz and Skär [28], Sweden	2016	OT; Nursing		•			•		An accessible playground should offer an opportunity for play, the possibility to participate with other children, and a way for parents and children to be involved in shaping their community.			The aim of UD is to promote equal rights and opportunities for all. UD also promotes the understanding that people are different, and environments should afford different opportunities and solutions; the main goal is participation and inclusion [74,75].
Prellwitz and Tamm [43], Sweden	1999	OT; Psychology		•					ND
Prellwitz et al. [44], Sweden	2001	OT; Psychology; Sociology		•					ND
Ripat and Becker [24], Canada	2012	OT	•	•	•		•	ND	Accessible playgrounds have been suggested as a means of providing children with disabilities independence, easy access to play, and a safe, challenging, and fun environment by providing a play area in which typically developing children and children with disabilities can socialize, play, and learn together [76,77].	Application of this concept suggests that children should be able not only to access a space but also to use the play space in the same way as other children [63].		UD is a specific design approach that promotes accessibility for all individuals, regardless of ability [63].
Stanton-Chapman and Schmidt [46], US	2016	Early Childhood Education and Human Development; Owner and CEO of a playground installation company	•	•			•	ND	ND			… Go beyond what is minimally required by law and focus instead on meeting the principles of UD where every child, regardless of ability or disability, is welcomed and benefits physically, developmentally, and socially from the playground environment.
Stanton-Chapman and Schmidt [47], US	2017	Early Childhood Education; Owner and CEO of a playground installation company		•		•	•		ND		ND	ND
Sterman et al. [27], Australia	2019	OT; Exercise Science	•	•				ND	ND
Talay et al. [18], Turkey	2010	LA	•	•	•	•		ND	ND	ND	ND

ND: not defined; UD: universal design; LA: landscape architecture; OT: occupational therapy.

Figure 2. Number of publications in the review period (n = 15).

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The line graph plots the number of articles in each year of the review period.

Table 2. Geographical location of studies.

Geographical location	References
Europe
Sweden	[21,28,43,44]
Ireland	[34,40]
Turkey	[18,61]
US	[46,47,48,60]
Canada	[24]
Australia	[27]
New Zealand	[62]

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