유아복 교구화에 관한 디자인 연구 - 놀이·교육·디자인의 통합적 접근 -

This study explores the concept of clothing as play-integrated teaching tools to expand the educational and aes- thetic value of preschool clothing through an integrative approach to play, education, and design. Given the central role of play in early childhood learning, this research aims to reinterpret children’s everyday garments as interactive media that facilitate sensory experiences, fine motor skills, and creative expression. This practice-based research integrated theoretical investigation and case analysis to inform the design development process, positioning the work as a design-focused thesis. Theoretical investigation and case analysis were conducted to identify the roles and educational characteristics of play tools, which were then mapped to fashion design elements(e.g., form, material, color, and detail) through a design matrix. Based on this framework, eight prototype designs for children aged 3 to 5 were developed, focusing on four design principles: safety and comfort in wearing, ease of manipulation and transformation, sensory stimulation and visual interest, and promotion of creative play. The results demonstrate that clothing can serve as an effective wearable learning medium that bridges daily life and education, enabling children to learn naturally through sensory and interactive engagement. This study makes both academic and practical contributions by proposing a new design methodology that integrates fashion and early childhood edu- cation, suggesting potential applications for future wearable educational products and interactive fashion design.