Defining Diversity at Toca Boca

Challenge 

Toca Boca has a vision of not excluding any kids in their products. That vision is of course a big challenge for the studio and has not been easy to take on. 

Solution

After a long period of discussions we decided to make a clear definition of what we mean when we say diversity. We looked at existing definitions out there, but felt the need to create one that was relevant to us and the products that we are making.

A structure that made sense to us was to list different aspects of diversity, each one with a short description and a statement on what we should strive for in our design. All to make it easy to understand for everyone working in different fields within the company.

The seven aspects that we decided for were: Physical characteristics, Cultural characteristics, Functional diversity, Body shape, Gender, Family structure and Age.

When we had all definitions ready we sent them to be reviewed by our Diversity Advisory Board that was formed simultaneously. We also discussed them with other experts in our network. 

So how have we then been taking on the challenge of not excluding any kids in our app production in practise? 

One example is from taking on the theme of vacation in the Toca Boca World app.  We put a lot of effort in representing different family structures because as a kid you most often go on vacation with your family.

In one of the hotel rooms in the app you can find this family of two dads and three kids. They are also possible to interpret as two friends traveling together with their kids. The story will be decided by the individual kids that are playing, since the play pattern is open-ended and the characters are props for them to use. We are just giving suggestions.

Another example is from when we were planning a sequel in the Toca Hair Salon series. We got feedback from kids and parents asking to include afro-textured hair. This was a challenge we prioritised. When the app was released we got very positive responses from kids and parents feeling that they were represented in the app.

Our primary goal at Toca Boca is to have an overall diverse portfolio of content because it is not possible to address every aspect of diversity every time. When we take on a new project we ask ourselves what aspects could be focused this time and we always find something work with.

Part of our onboarding process for new employees are of course the D4CR design principles that includes not only diversity but so many other important design perspectives too.