(Digital) Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are now definitely more than just a passing trend. They are an invaluable tool for helping neurodivergent people manage their concentration and focus. They are also fun for everyone to play with.
For people with ADHD, autism, or anxiety, these small, often simple and tangible objects provide a way to channel excess energy, reduce stress, and maintain attention on tasks. The act of fidgeting, whether through squeezing, spinning, or clicking, can be incredibly grounding, allowing the mind to stay on track or settle back down if focus is lost.
We have a fairly big collection of fidget toys in my house, and I'm often trying subtly to use them when on long calls. They are awesome to help with focus and should be on every meeting table and classroom.
I first encountered fidget toys on conference tables at the Disability Inclusive Pathways Conference a couple of years ago. The team didn’t disappoint this year either with a variety of fidget toys available. Some of the crew at our table even got quite creative.
Digital Fidget Toys
But just like real-world toys are calming in physical spaces, digital fidget toys can help relieve stress or anxiety in virtual spaces.
These virtual tools or applications are still designed to provide sensory stimulation and are particularly useful for those who want to fidget discreetly in public. They are also good for people who prefer technology-based solutions, struggle with the plastic waste issue or when there are just no physical toys to play with.
Digital fidget toys might include things like:
- Web apps - There are various mobile apps available offering virtual fidget toys such as digital spinners, sliders, or buttons that users can interact with on their smartphones or tablets.
- Online Games - Some websites feature games or activities that allow users to engage in fidgeting behaviors in a digital format. Who doesn’t love a bit of Candy Crush to relax?
- Wearable Devices - Certain gadgets can be worn to provide tactile feedback through vibrations or movement, offering a fidgeting experience without traditional toys. Digital watches often have calming apps that combine visual, haptic and auditory information.
- Virtual Reality (VR) - Some VR platforms offer immersive environments where users can engage with virtual fidget toys, enhancing the sensory experience.
Digital Toy Design
And just like real world fidget toys that can be too loud, too sticky, too fiddly, we also need think about how to design the digital interface for fidget toys (and websites in general).
Cluttered interfaces with overwhelming animations, or distracting pop-ups can make online experiences challenging for everyone, especially those who are neurodivergent. Just as a fidget toy provides a calm and controlled outlet in the real world, a well-designed digital tool can offer a digital experience that’s equally supportive and free of unnecessary distractions.
By ensuring that all digital interfaces are intuitive, predictable, and free of overwhelming stimuli, we create spaces where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, can feel comfortable and engaged. Digital fidget toys also need to match the needs of the user, not too sticky, squidgy or noisy.
You might have guessed, we love physical and digital toys just as much as the next neurodivergent person. At Access Advisors we also live and breathe advocating for digital accessibility to ensure that online spaces are welcoming and inclusive for all as well. So, contact us if you would like help ensuring your digital interfaces, for fidget toys, games or anything, are calming and reassuring, and not too squidgy.
And maybe let us know what your favourite digital fidget toys are on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, and we just might post a list.