"The doll, which joins Barbie's Fashionistas collection, took over 18 months to develop in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and you can tell. Every single design choice was intentional, from the way the doll's eyes gaze slightly to the side (reflecting how some autistic people may avoid direct eye contact) to the articulated elbows and wrists that allow for stimming, hand flapping, and other movements that help some autistic individuals process sensory information or express excitement."
"Let's talk about those accessories, because this is where Mattel really showed up. The doll comes with noise-canceling headphones in bright pink, a finger clip fidget spinner that actually spins, and a tablet displaying augmentative and alternative communication apps. These aren't random props thrown in for fun. They're tools that many autistic people rely on every day to navigate a world that isn't always designed with their sensory needs in mind."
"Even the clothing got the thoughtful treatment. The doll wears a loose-fitting purple pinstripe dress with short sleeves and a carefully designed skirt that reduces fabric-to-skin contact, paired with flat purple shoes. For anyone who's experienced sensory sensitivities, this detail hits differently. It's a recognition that comfort isn't one-size-fits-all, and that design should accommodate different ways of experiencing the world."
The autistic Barbie joins the Fashionistas collection and was developed over 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Design choices intentionally reflect autistic experiences, including eyes that gaze slightly to the side and articulated elbows and wrists to enable stimming and expressive movements. Accessories include bright pink noise-canceling headphones, a finger-clip fidget spinner that spins, and a tablet displaying augmentative and alternative communication apps. Clothing is sensory-conscious: a loose-fitting purple pinstripe dress with reduced fabric-to-skin contact and flat shoes. The doll emphasizes representation through thoughtful, functional details that accommodate diverse sensory needs.
Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News
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