Through use of a simple and intuitive knot-tying interaction to connect inputs and outputs, Knotty acts as a tool for children to explore and apply technology in a way that enhances their open-ended play and leverages their creativity. Play is a free, explorative and iterative process to discover new meaning and is an important element for innovation. For children, it is unstructured, free and open-ended play through which they can develop their own creativity and interests. However, parents are increasingly underestimating the value of play while prioritising more structured activities and academic performance, a trend which is causing an increase in mental health issues in today’s youth. Thus Knotty was created as a new way for children to engage with technology that stimulates and leverages their creativity and curiosity rather than simply providing passive stimulation.