Cas Holman believes that "Design for Play" is better than just "Designing Toys" because it focuses on the experience of play rather than the object itself. Traditional toy design often results in fixed-function toys that tell children exactly how to play. In contrast, "Design for Play" creates open-ended materials that encourage creativity, exploration, and problem-solving.

For example, a typical toy car is designed only for rolling and racing, but Holman’s Rigamajig is a collection of wooden planks, nuts, and bolts that allow children to build whatever they imagine. This type of design doesn’t limit play but instead invites children to think, create, and experiment. I agree with Holman’s view because toys should be tools for imagination, not just with one function.

Play is the act of using a toy for fun or learning, I believe. Cas Holman’s definitions go beyond this—she believes that toys should not just be objects but rather open-ended tools for play. She focuses more on the process of play than the toy itself.

Her approach differs from my initial definition because she doesn’t see toys as things with set functions but rather as things that allow children to explore, invent, and collaborate. However, her view also aligns with my belief that toys should encourage creativity and learning.

IN a nutshell, Cas Holman’s ideas changed how I think about toys. Before, I thought toys were just objects for entertainment, but now I see that good toys should encourage creativity and exploration. Instead of designing toys with a single purpose, designers should focus on how kids will interact with them. Holman’s approach reminds me that play is not just about having fun—it’s also about learning, experimenting, and imagining new possibilities.