Video games, computers and information technology are often blamed for obesity among children in industrialized countries, as they “steal” time from more physical activities. SmartUs is an interactive playground concept, consisting of a core of playground equipment and a contact platform both in the playground and on the Internet. The SmartUs playground encourages learning by developing motor, social and cognitive skills through the application of information technology. The concept unites play, activity and learning, and allows games played on the playground to be continued online. In addition, playground usage is converted into data information for parents, teachers or playground owners to assess.

A SmartUs Playground has already been built in Ørstedsparken in the Danish capital Copenhagen.

Designed by
Juha Laakkonen, Reijo Koivula, Katariina Lahtinen, Arto Riimala & Minna Myllys (Lappset), Ilkka Kettunen & Pirkko Hyvönen (University of Laplands), Visa Pahtaja (Rovaniemi Polytechnic) & Timo Urhemaa (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland) - Finland