Mahjong Cheesecake Blocks
April - May 2025
Sophia Wan
Toy Design
Procreate, Blender, needle felting
Wool, sponge, box
This toy design project reimagines building blocks for autistic children by integrating softness, tactility, and inclusivity. Inspired by Cas Holmanās design philosophy and informed by conversations with autism specialists, I created sponge-and-wool felted blocks featuring zodiac animal textures to engage different sensory responses. The design is intentionally open-ended, encouraging free play rather than fixed rules, while also drawing on cultural references like Mahjong. Alongside the blocks, I developed a āCheesecake Eating Guideā as a metaphorical narrative to promote understanding and integration between autistic and non-autistic people, highlighting respect for neurological differences over bias.
Mahjong Cheesecake Blocks Play Guide