MOME DIPLOMA

This thesis examines the theoretical and practical possibilities of child-centered design within the context of applied arts and visual design. The research focuses on the collaboration between children and adults, with particular attention to how the child’s perspective can become an active and value-generating element of the creative process. The thesis explores the relationship between child-centered design, social design, and participatory design, while also presenting the ethical, child rights–based, and methodological considerations necessary for establishing safe and equal forms of cooperation. Through case studies and literature analysis, the research investigates how children’s ways of thinking can contribute to the creation of innovative, human-centered, and socially sensitive design solutions. The thesis concludes that child-centered design can not only open new creative directions within contemporary design practice, but also contribute to the development of a more empathetic and collaboration-oriented society.