Abstract

Emotional regulation and communication are one of the most important skills that we can learn. This skill allows us not only to recognize and effectively communicate our feelings to others but also allows us to recognize them in others. Although learning and recognizing these emotions may be a pursuit in which progress varies from person to person, this skill is especially invaluable to young children. Beginning as early as the age of 3, many children begin to show early awareness of their own emotions, such as reacting to discomfort or comfort, or starting to use words for feelings. This learning process is accelerated during these early years, in which their environment and caregiving are their greatest influences. This results in children trying to find ways to express themselves, whether that be in emotional outbursts, attempts to communicate their feelings, or to seek ways to manage their feelings. One such outlet that children often turn to is toys. Toys act as a mirror of the child’s inner world: reflecting their temperament, interests, emotional needs, and emerging sense of self. For many young children, their toys become more than playthings, but rather a source of comfort, a way to explore their feelings, or even an extension of their personality. Through play, children can project their feelings, experiment with social roles, and practice coping with emotions. eMote was designed as a product to bridge both children’s need for emotional regulation and their fascination with toys. eMote is a modular action figure that “grows up” alongside its user, coming with a large suite of replaceable parts that the user can use to customize their eMote to their own preferences and needs. Variants in expressions and textures allow the user to find their own combination of parts that resonate with their own feelings. The eMote action figure also comes with accompanying picture books that tell stories commonly experienced at the user’s current age to help them recognize emotions, understand their causes, and practice safe, expressive outlets. These stories inform the user of the emotion commonly experienced in these situations, how to recognize them, and safe ways to express them to others. eMote is a product that aims to educate children on how to recognize and regulate their emotions, as well as serve as a good tactile and poseable figure to provide comfort during these emotional points. By using both the figure and picture book, caregivers can teach their children to recognize their emotions and ways to regulate them, providing children a way to feel and communicate their feelings during important developmental phases.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Action figures (Toys)--Design; Emotions in children; Affective education

Publication Date

4-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Design, School of

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Melissa Dawson

Advisor/Committee Member

Stan Rickel

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

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