Ghiotto Boccia Ramp Encourages Inclusive Interaction in Schools
Ghiotto is a boccia ramp designed to support social interaction among children with and without disabilities in school environments. Developed by Diego Reggiani as a university project within a design laboratory at Politecnico di Milano, it was selected for the shortlist of the iF Design Student Award. Rooted in the principles of universal design, the project addresses a crucial challenge: enabling children who use wheelchairs to build meaningful relationships from a young age. Play is a simple, powerful tool for fostering early inclusion and counteracting the isolation that many disabled adults still face. In addition to its social impact, the ramp also supports the development of both fine and gross motor skills through play and sport, offering functional benefits that extend into everyday life.
Ghiotto introduces several innovations tailored specifically to young users. Unlike professional ramps, which are heavy, technical, and limited to height adjustment, the project features a simple and intuitive mechanism. A pivot pin and a set of cuts in the structure allow the ramp to be tilted easily, giving children more control and engagement in the game. To enhance usability, the ramp includes a built-in area for organizing and storing the boccia balls before and after the game, keeping everything tidy and within reach. This functional clarity is reinforced by careful dimensional development: anthropometric data of both wheelchair users and non-disabled children were used to ensure an accessible, comfortable, and intuitive experience for all. The resulting gestures are simple and inclusive, encouraging shared play without barriers.
all images courtesy of Diego Reggiani
Six-Position adaptable Ramp Turns Boccia Ramp Into Creative Tool
Since boccia is inherently a simple and accessible game, Ghiotto can be used in a wide variety of ways. The core action, rolling a ball, is easy to grasp, and the product’s design encourages imagination and exploration. In this way, the ramp becomes a versatile and playful tool where only the user’s creativity defines its limits. One of the ramp’s most distinctive features is its ability to adjust the launch speed by changing the angle of the tube. This mechanism is intentionally straightforward: a pivot pin at the front of the ramp interacts with a notched groove on the upper part of the arch, allowing the ramp to be set into six different positions, covering a total inclination range of 35 degrees.
The tube is perforated laterally to accommodate conical-head screws fastened into threaded inserts, reinforced by a locking nut that prevents loosening over time. From a construction perspective, Ghiotto, developed by designer Diego Reggiani, uses different types of joints tailored to the function and position of each part. To connect the arch to the base, a mortise and tenon joint is employed, providing structural rigidity without increasing production costs. To secure the side panels that hold the boccia balls, a different approach is used. Inspired by furniture assembly systems, a combination of wooden dowels and screws is adopted. These are fixed from above using a special locking bolt, ensuring horizontal stability. In conclusion, Ghiotto transforms play into an inclusive, intuitive, and enduring experience for everyone.
project info:
name: Ghiotto
designer: Diego Reggiani
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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