Inclusion Unfolds : Gudgudee Designs Pvt Ltd
Anmol SahuWelcome to another edition of Inclusion Unfolds!
In this blog, we will be sharing about a startup that is reimagining the way children play. Meet Gudgudee, a unique product and space design studio that is bringing the concept of inclusive play areas to life in India.
Why Inclusive Play Areas Matter:
Playgrounds are often seen as places full of slides, swings, and laughter. But for many children with disabilities, these spaces are far from welcoming. Uneven surfaces, inaccessible equipments, and lack of understanding from peers can make playtime a difficult experience.
Childhood is meant to be a time of joy, exploration, and learning through play but when children with disability face exclusion, constant stigma, or are unable to participate freely, it impacts their confidence and social skills.
On the other hand, inclusive play areas don’t just benefit children with disabilities. They also expose children without disabilities to diversity from an early age. When kids grow up playing together, they naturally learn empathy, acceptance, and respect for differences. These playgrounds become more than just spaces for fun, they become tiny moments of learning.
About Gudgudee:
Founded by Aditi Agrawal, an alumna of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Gudgudee was born out of a simple yet powerful vision to make play areas that are fun, safe, and welcoming for every child, regardless of ability.
During her time at NID, she visited Blind People’s Association, Ahmedabad. There she observed children with multiple disabilities and found that many children mostly aged 6 to 12 years are confined in their classrooms and rarely go out to play. This struck a chord with her. A student determined to make a change, she designed an inclusive playground at the Blind People’s Association. The project received the prestigious iF Design Award in Hamburg in 2013. Seeing the children enjoy the play area inspired her to take the idea further. In 2014, she founded Gudgudee with the dream of creating many such inclusive play spaces across India.
Since its inception, Gudgudee has worked with government bodies, schools, real estate developers, hotels and local communities to build play areas where all children with or without disabilities can share the same space, laugh together, and build friendships.
Gudgudee has designed inclusive play areas in 23 states of India, and is keen to expand in the Middle East and Europe. Its impact has also been recognized internationally, with Gudgudee receiving the Zero Project Award in 2022.
What makes Gudgudee special:
Gudgudee’s approach goes far beyond visual design. Every play space — indoor or outdoor — is crafted using principles from:
- Occupational therapy
- Child psychology
- Local cultural contexts
This thoughtful intersection makes each space physically accessible, emotionally comforting, and socially inclusive.
A Call for Inclusive Play:
Inclusive and accessible play is every child’s right, not a privilege. It should never depend on physical, intellectual or emotional ability. Gudgudee reminds us that design can be a powerful tool for social change, turning spaces into places where every child belongs.
As we continue our journey with Inclusion Unfolds, we celebrate innovators like Gudgudee who are making sure that laughter, friendship, and the magic of play are for everyone.
To reach Gudgudee, visit its website: https://www.gudgudee.in/
Email: info@gudgudee.in
See you in the next blog!
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