Tovertafel or Pixie? A Practical Comparison
With the arrival of Tover's Pixie mobile unit, we at Eugeria have been asked: isn't that just a smaller, more mobile Tovertafel? While the focusing on mobility may be tempting, it would be an underestimation of each tool's potential.
The Key: Who Plays, Why, and Where
First, the similarities: both units are built on the same core research, co-development approach and impact, and they share some of the same games.
However, when comparing the Tovertafel and Pixie's use cases, it helps to look at Tover's game level structure. There are 5 levels, from level 1 (observation only) to level 5 (planning and decision making). This distinction is part of what makes the Tover ecosystem so rich: by pairing the right game level to the player or player group, it is possible to meet the residents where they are in terms of their cognitive abilities and needs.
The Pixie: portable magic from room to room
Since the Pixie was built for one-on-one sessions in an institutional setting, its games are geared toward simpler interactions. A notable difference is the inclusion of level 1 games, which are designed as observation-only experiences. This is possible due to the Pixie's adjustable angle to project on walls as well as tables. It also offers a small number of level 4 games, adapted to be more accessible for one-on-one play. Featuring mostly games that require less cognitive work, the Pixie is ideal for residents and patients who are in advanced stages of cognitive decline and cannot come to the common room, or who would find the higher-level games confusing or frustrating.
The Pixie does require care team supervision at all times and needs to be stored between uses.
Common use cases include therapeutic game sessions in a patient's hospital room as well as nighttime relaxation to help settle an anxious patient. It is well suited to adults with very limited mobility, as well as those in palliative care.
The Tovertafel: the star of the common room and a social facilitator
A key reason care teams value the Tovertafel is how accessible it is once mounted to the ceiling.
Its fixed projector is meant to be available at any time, to anyone who wants to play: care teams, volunteers, and family members can activate it day or night without any setup. Because it features a wider range of games, including the possibility to make mistakes as well as friendly competition, it is suitable for residents who are in earlier stages of cognitive decline as well. Placing a Tovertafel in a room creates a natural gathering area where residents can engage and socialize, even if they normally would keep to themselves.
Common use cases include game sessions at hours where residents tend to get restless like just before supper as well as group activities with props to foster movement along with stimulation. While a mobile stand can achieve similar outcomes, our clients tend to use ceiling-mounted units more often for care during sundowning and stressful times, since they require no setup or storage between uses.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Magic for Your Needs
The Pixie isn't a smaller Tovertafel. It's built for a different purpose: bringing play into personal, quiet spaces where a fixed setup can't go.
The Tovertafel, meanwhile, is well suited to fostering community, movement, and social interaction in shared activity rooms. The Pixie serves a different need: one-on-one comfort, bedside calm, and support tailored to residents in advanced stages of cognitive decline.
Both tools use play to support daily care, but the right fit depends on your care team's routines and the needs of the individuals you support. It's easy to focus on the mobility difference at first glance, but in practice, the Pixie and Tovertafel complement each other, each offering a distinct way to engage residents.
Unsure which system fits your care setting best? Contact our team at Eugeria for a personalized demo or consultation.
