Tag Archives: Kids

How the Schools and Classes of The Future Merge Tech with Hands-on Learning

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In today’s digital age, children are growing up with a deep familiarity and comfort in both the real and virtual worlds. As technology continues to evolve and become more pervasive, there is an opportunity to enhance traditional teaching tools with virtual reality (VR) devices. SQUASHY, a groundbreaking virtual reality wearable device for children, aims to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms, offering a transformative formative education experience. By stimulating the five senses, SQUASHY replaces traditional teaching aids and introduces an exciting and immersive approach to learning.

Designer: Eunhye Sim

The application of virtual reality and digital technology opens up new possibilities for education, providing children with a broader and more captivating learning experience. SQUASHY recognizes that while digital education offers convenience and accessibility, it is essential to preserve and complement the unique aspects of reality-based education. The device seamlessly integrates virtual and physical worlds to provide a comprehensive educational experience that sparks curiosity and fosters engagement.

SQUASHY acknowledges the invaluable role of hands-on learning and the tactile experiences that traditional teaching aids offer. Clay, as a symbol of formative education, has the power to stimulate children’s creativity and imagination. With SQUASHY, children can experience the multidimensional nature of formative education by transforming virtual clay into desired shapes using their hands. By combining the freedom of self-expression with systematic guidance, SQUASHY empowers children to explore various formative gestures and processes.

Understanding the importance of comfort and accessibility, the creators of SQUASHY have taken into consideration the average hand size of 6-year-old boys and girls. The device’s size allows children to hold it effortlessly, regardless of whether they use one or both hands. This ergonomic design ensures that children can fully engage with the device, maximizing their learning potential and enjoyment.

SQUASHY’s training program offers a diverse range of forms for children to complete. With the guidance provided, they can learn step-by-step formative processes and gestures. The device incorporates a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor within its silicon column, which recognizes the user’s hand motions to deform the virtual clay. Should the device lose its shape, a simple press of the top reset button restores it to its original circular form. This interaction is made possible by the integration of memory foam and an internal air blow device.

Charging SQUASHY is a hassle-free experience thanks to its magnetic coupling cradle. When the device is placed on the cradle, it securely connects and charges. Additionally, the cradle doubles as a Bluetooth pairing hub, allowing the VR device and SQUASHY to pair effortlessly. This functionality ensures that children can carry SQUASHY with them without the need for any further operations on the device itself.

One of the remarkable features of SQUASHY is its ability to bridge the gap between the virtual and real worlds. Children’s virtual modeling data can be 3D printed, enabling them to hold their creations in their hands and experience a tangible sense of accomplishment. This seamless integration of digital data with physical objects adds a new dimension to their learning journey, further enhancing their satisfaction and sense of achievement.

While SQUASHY offers convenience and state-of-the-art technology, it lacks the importance of children interacting with real materials in a natural manner. By introducing textures and encouraging the use of SQUASHY in conjunction with traditional craft lessons in schools, children can enjoy the best of both worlds. They can explore the convenience and creativity of virtual reality while still experiencing the tactile nature of real-world materials.

SQUASHY represents a transformative shift in children’s formative education, combining the immersive capabilities of virtual reality with the physicality of real-world experiences. By stimulating the five senses and seamlessly integrating digital and analog learning, SQUASHY offers a holistic educational approach. With its intuitive design, tailored size, and convenient features, SQUASHY empowers children to unleash their creativity, explore diverse forms, and embark on a captivating educational journey that prepares them for the evolving digital landscape while preserving the unique qualities of reality-based education.

The post How the Schools and Classes of The Future Merge Tech with Hands-on Learning first appeared on Yanko Design.

How this sensorial playpad focuses on sustainable design to adapt with your growing child

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For all the parents and caregivers out there, if you’re looking for a game-changer in the world of play mats, then you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of the Stokke PlayPad, a play mat that’s all about fun, comfort, and learning. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this awesome creation! 

The Stokke PlayPad is a game-changer in modern playtime. Say goodbye to dull, simple mats that do nothing to stimulate your child’s imagination. This play mat is jam-packed with interactive elements that will keep your child delighted for hours on end as it adapts to your children’s changing interests, abilities, and personalities, assisting them in their growth throughout their childhood.

Designer:  Marius Kindler

Imagine this a soft, cushioned surface ideal for small hands and knees to explore. The Stokke PlayPad is made of high-quality materials to provide optimal comfort for your little adventurer. No need to be concerned about discomfort or irritation—your youngster will have a comfortable and secure play place to enjoy. 

The PlayPad’s interactive aspects are an excellent combination of visual and audio engagement. This play mat is a sensory delight, with vibrant designs and diverse textures. Your youngster will be able to touch, feel, and explore a variety of hidden surprises, which will encourage curiosity and fine motor skills. 

The Playpad is made up of two layers: an upper sleeve made of recycled polyester and EVA foam with embossed icons and a lower sleeve containing the LED and sensor grid. These two layers are detachable, allowing you to wash and clean any mess your toddler makes on it. 

This PlayPad is also all about convenience. It’s lightweight and foldable, so you can take it with you everywhere you go. Are you paying a visit to friends or family? Are you going on a picnic? Not a problem! Simply pack up the PlayPad and your child will have a familiar play environment wherever they go. 

We are all aware that playtime is about more than just having fun; it is also about learning and development.  The embossed icons provide visual and tactile cues to your child’s visual exploration and cognitive recognition. To interact with. The brilliant colors and contrasting shapes draw their attention and aid in the development of critical cognitive and perceptual abilities. The sensors and LEDs spread across the pad are powered by a battery, a speaker offers audio feedback and directions, and an RFID reader allows you to select and switch between numerous games and activities so kids never get bored!

This PlayPad is not only for your children but also for you to interact with them and create memories together. By placing different discs on top of the play base, you can switch between different play modes. Each play disc activates a unique setting for the PlayPad’s sensors, speakers, and lights, enabling the stated play activity. 

The variety of available play discs keeps the PlayPad appealing throughout childhood, and adding additional discs to the collection allows families to upgrade over time based on the child’s age, abilities, and interests. So that parents can provide their children with more play with fewer toys.

It is a perfect combination of all things that you need in a play mat that’s fun, comfortable, and educational. It’s designed with love and care to provide your child with a stimulating environment where they can learn, grow, and let their imaginations run wild. 

Since the PlayPad is both an interactive toy and a home interior piece, it was a natural fit to work with Stokke, a well-known luxury brand known for creating long-lasting items with a design sense that reflects its Scandinavian background and excellent material and craftsmanship standards. Most young families prefer Scandinavian minimalism, which is reflected in the PlayPad’s materials and colors.

This is a great way to unwind with your little ones and keep them engaged throughout the day. It is a practical and sustainable way to keep your children learning subconsciously throughout their childhood.    

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How to Organize Toys: 25 Ideas for a Safe Home and a Stress-free Playtime

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If there are toddlers at home, there will inevitably be a multitude of toys as well. As a result, the play area, bedroom, and entire house can often be in a state of perpetual chaos. For parents, each day tends to follow a predictable routine where the child empties the toy bin and engages in brief play with a toy, only to become quickly captivated by something new. Consequently, the parent is left with an ongoing cycle of tidying up.

Hence, here are some tips to create a more organized storage solution for toys.

1. Label Storage Tubs

Designer: Love and Labels

Labeling the storage tubs and containers is highly recommended so that it is easier to keep the toys in them and segregate them accordingly. Note that a toy lacking a designated place to call home will likely contribute to ongoing disorganization.

2. Storage Baskets

Designer: PEHR

Baskets or toy bins serve as excellent tools for keeping similar items together while encouraging children to choose and focus on one or two toys at a time. Shelves and baskets offer a wide range of options, including diverse shapes, materials, and sizes, allowing one to find the perfect fit for your organizing the toys.

3. Transparent Containers

Designer: Jess Galvin

The transparent organization boxes are perfect for storing toys by category. Keep toys within sight as if the toy is out of sight, it’s out of a child’s mind. Ensuring that toys are visible is crucial because if they can’t see a toy, they might perceive it as non-existent.

4. Buy a Toy Storage Organizer

Designer: KidKraft

If there is no additional cabinet space, buy a toy storage organizer. Consider choosing tilted bin units that provide a clear view of the contents inside. This setup may be the perfect solution to encourage your kids to actively tidy up their toys by eliminating the need to pull out and put back the bins.

5. Lego Lover

Designer: Stephanie Treantos

If your child has a passion for Legos, consider using transparent containers for storage. By organizing the Lego pieces by color, finding and retrieving specific pieces during playtime becomes much simpler, enhancing their overall Lego-building experience.

6. Magnetic knife rack

Designer: Kayla South (with IKEA GRUNDTAL knife rack)

Install a magnetic strip on the wall to serve as a storage solution for toy cars making it a convenient and efficient way to keep them organized.

7. Playroom Closet

Designer: CW Home

Have a playroom closet where toys can be stored by category where one can allocate a shelf for board games, another for toy bins, for car displays, and so on. It is highly recommended to provide a limited number of toys to enable children to quickly find and choose their preferred playthings.

8. Built-in Storage

Designer: Jennifer Maune

Built-in storage with closed cabinets can effectively keep toy clutter at bay while maintaining a neat and clean appearance. The cabinets conceal the clutter of toys, creating a visually appealing space.

9. Car Garage

Designer: Ryan Wolosek

An array of wooden shelves is perfect for displaying toy cars and is a great way to create a stylish and organized display. It enhances the visual appeal of the room and encourages the children to keep the toys in the correct place.

10. Storage box

Designer: Katrina Teeple

Maintaining a neat and tidy environment by keeping the toys neatly in a storage box. Sort the toys by category with storage containers as it prevents the box from looking messy.

11. Window Seat

Designer: Biz Martin

Make optimum use of the window seats by utilizing the space below for storing or organizing children’s toys and books so that they are easily accessible for children.

12. Low-height Storage

Designer: Kayla Hollomon (with IKEA TROFAST)

Consider low-level storage as it is ideal for toddlers and allows easy access to toys. This type of storage solution is reachable by young children, making it convenient for them to independently select their toys and books.

13. Get Creative

This setup incorporates a study area with bins placed below a table for storing toys. The overhead shelves feature separate containers for storage, while a shelf is dedicated to soft toys. Additionally, the shelves are creatively painted in the shape of a house, adding character and visual appeal. This low-cost approach creates an interesting and engaging space for children.

14. Make Optimum Use of Walls

Designer: The Road Forks

Sleek shelves are an ideal choice for displaying books without overwhelming the space. Keeping the shelves’ front visible makes it easier for children to select their favorite books. This storage solution combines functionality and accessibility, making it convenient for children to pick up their preferred books.

15. Get Creative with Storage

Designer: Hand Makes Home (with IKEA TROFAST)

This setup showcases various designs of containers and bins for toy storage, adding an aesthetically pleasing touch that avoids a dull or monotonous appearance. The assortment of containers adds visual interest while maintaining a functional storage solution for toys.

16. Use Planter Pots

Designer: Kayla Hollomon

Install hanging planter bins to efficiently segregate toys and books by category. Suspended from a rod, these bins maximize space utilization while providing a visually appealing storage solution. Organize your child’s belongings with ease and style using these functional and space-saving planter bins.

17. Floating Shelves

Designer: Kayla Hollomon

If space is limited, floating shelves can be the perfect solution for displaying books. Consider using glass shelves for a sleek and modern look, or opt for readymade shelves for convenience. These space-saving options allow you to showcase your books while maximizing the available space in your home.

18. Corner Shelves

Designer: Ashley Johnston

Make the most of unused corners by transforming them into storage areas for children’s toys and books. Utilizing shelves in these corners provides an excellent solution for organizing and storing toys, books, and games. As children outgrow toys, the shelf space can be repurposed for books, ensuring a seamless transition and efficient use of the available storage area.

19. Under-bed Storage

Designer: Great Little Trading Co.

Make use of rolling drawers placed underneath the bed or couch to conveniently store items that are used less frequently, such as board games, train tracks, or extra craft supplies as this space is valuable and shouldn’t be left unused.

20. Create Balance

Designer: Sarah (Thrifty Decor Chick)

Here is a well-designed storage unit that combines open and closed storage options. With spacious bins for concealed storage, horizontal shelves for displaying items, and a convenient countertop with globes, this unit offers functionality, style, and a sense of balance. The addition of sconce lights and a grey wall enhances the overall design, creating an aesthetically pleasing storage solution.

21. Accessorize

Designer: Christine McMichael

Certain storage solutions not only serve as practical accessories but also effectively keep toys organized and prevent clutter. These multipurpose storage solutions offer both functionality and style, allowing you to maintain a tidy space while adding a decorative touch to your home.

22. Toy Truck

Designer: Costway

This Kids Truck Storage Organizer is a perfect way to teach your little ones to organize their belongings. This compact organizer includes 2 large storage bins, 2 small drawers, a single-door cabinet, and a front-end storage bin. Designed at an appropriate height for toddlers to reach, it empowers them to take charge of their belongings. The removable bins and drawers, along with the easy-to-open cabinet door and removable truck front cover, provide easy access and encourage good organization habits.

23. Toy Story

Designer: Homedit

A set of interconnected tubs creates a captivating and artistic storage solution. The vibrant orange bin adds a contrasting element and brings visual interest to the collection of green bins. This unique arrangement not only offers functional storage but also serves as an eye-catching sculptural display.

24. Acrylic Cloud

Designer: West Elm

The acrylic cloud wall pocket is perfect for storing soft toys. It is invisible as it is transparent and offers a lightweight solution.

25. Toy Hammock

Designer: Corrie Harris

Nothing is more perfect than a macrame hammock for keeping soft toys, allowing the teddies to enjoy themselves.

The post How to Organize Toys: 25 Ideas for a Safe Home and a Stress-free Playtime first appeared on Yanko Design.

Spectacular Ideas for Children’s Wardrobes

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The children’s wardrobe should not only be highly functional but also spark the creativity and imagination of the kids. So, break away from using single colors and experiment with various design themes as well as low-contrast and high-contrast color combinations. Plus, making space for neatly storing clothes, toys, and books can be fun, especially in a themed space where the bedroom decor can reflect your child’s tastes, interests, and personality. Here are some stunning ideas that will give you some food for thought and allow you to go wild and creative with your imagination.

Designer: Elena Likhacheva

1. Cool Tones

The wardrobe is designed with cool blue and white tones to create a restful space. Each wardrobe panel is demarcated with different heights of white arches. Note that the lighter shade of blue makes the space appear much bigger.

Designer: alanbuchana

2. Wardrobe cum Window Seat

The floor-to-ceiling wardrobe encloses a window seat and optimizes vertical space. It houses a window seat that provides extra seating under cabinet storage and brings in natural light. Hues of sage green, mustard yellow, and white are smartly used to demarcate different sections of the wardrobe.

Designer: Carafina

3. Curved Silhouettes

Rounded edges introduce softness, while reflective mirror surfaces on the cabinets add quirkiness to this bedroom. Children are usually fascinated by some animals and see them as a source of inspiration. A fusion of pastel hues creates a fun element. A penguin on the wardrobe shutter and rabbit-shaped ears behind the drawer unit form an interesting design feature. Just see how the combination of opaque and reflective surfaces forms a beautiful contrast of color and materials and creates the illusion of a larger space.

Designer: Shiima Ibrahim

4. Under Cabinet Lighting

Compact yet functional, just see how the triangular form of the soft board has provision for under cabinet lighting and provides adequate task lighting for studying. In addition, the profile of the overhead cabinet moves a step further onto the wardrobe in the form of an inverted triangle in woody tones to smartly complete the look.

Designer: Shushan Vardanyan

5. Cozy Nook

Ideal for cozy seating, this custom-made hut-shaped seating nook adds depth and dimension to an all-white wardrobe. The wooden flooring and seating nook infuse warmth into the space.

Designer: Alpnach Cabinets

6. Rainbow Cheer

Just see how the rainbow colors add cheer and work as a strong design element in the form of vertical stripes on the wardrobe shutters. In addition, a semi-circular rainbow design is integrated into the ceiling to accentuate its look, while colorful corner shelves add life to the surrounding decor.

Designer: Interrio Concepts Studio

7. Ripples

Evocative of water ripples, a circular knob is surrounded by concentric rings, forming a prominent design feature on this blue-hued floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. It extends further to become a floating study unit and makes excellent use of the corner of this room. This design typically does not break the continuity of the wardrobe and makes multi-functional use of the corner space. It contrasts beautifully with the grey and white tone of the room.

8. Branches

The branch shape handles of the wardrobe infuse a forest vibe into the décor of this children’s room. Here the idea has moved a step further into the ceiling light fixture. The white and peach color palette brings a snowy wintery feel into the décor.

Designer: Ekaterina Domracheva

9. Pastel-hued Wardrobe

Every child loves colors! Bring in a good dose of color with a fusion of pink and blue hues of this children’s wardrobe, making it a perfect gender-neutral place. A niche is created within the center of the wardrobe that transforms into a sitting nook and imparts a neat, clutter-free look. The seating nook is surrounded by a curling display of open shelves for books and toy storage that is in perfect flow and rhythm. The open sections at the base of the wardrobe make provision for keeping storage boxes.

Designer: The Art Group by Daria Vasilkova

10. Wave Pattern

Featuring a myriad of shapes and forms, this sweet and sophisticated children’s bedroom includes curved surfaces that integrate the seating nook, built-in shelves, and closed cabinets into a single entity. The combination of peach, white, and grey creates a soothing color palette that infuses a calm and peaceful vibe into the space. The room is a haven of fun and play with plenty of open floor space.

Designers: Ebrahim Gamal, Basant Alaa

11. Space-Inspired Decor

The wardrobe shutters are inspired by rockets, satellites, and UFOs and are a perfect theme for aspiring astronauts, while a lego theme is introduced for the side wardrobes. Different sections of the wardrobe are perfect for tucking away toys, books, accessories, and clothes.

12. Wardrobe cum Study Unit

This well-designed study cum wardrobe in pastel hues is perfect for housing books, clothes, stationary, toys, and other knick-knacks. A fusion of closed and open storage with provision for adequate lighting creates an interesting design feature.

Designer: Mamka

13. Cubes

Cube-shaped open shelves combine with an all-white wardrobe and storage boxes to create an efficient storage solution. The white cabinet shutters are wonderfully contrasted with woody tones and hues of deep grey behind the TV unit.

Designer: Mamka

14. Bright Hues

In this, hues of green, white, and yellow are used to create an interesting layered pattern. Note that laminate finishes are easy to clean and maintain.

Designer: Bonito Designs

15. Color Blocking

Color blocking is a method of using two or more solid colors to create a bold look that stimulates the creative side of children. An exciting contrast of warm yellow and cool blue hues demarcates different wardrobe surfaces and brilliantly introduces color into a neutral-hued space. The low drawers offer practical storage and are easily accessible by the kids.

Designer: Moretti Compact

16. Calm Color Palette

Introduce an unusual combination of multiple colors within a single space. A fusion of earthy colors in muted tones combines with warm lighting, creating a restful space that does not look overwhelming.

17. Geometric Shapes

The arched design on the door and geometric-shaped cut-outs in the wardrobe shutters create a playful look in the children’s bedroom. The best part about a children’s bedroom is that it can easily handle contrasting colors and geometric shapes.

Designer: HAO Design

18. Sophisticated Color Scheme

This sophisticated bedroom incorporates grey and burgundy colors that blend with similar-hued wallpaper and a biophilic theme that brings nature indoors. All the design elements come together to create a well-coordinated color scheme.

Designer: Asia Design

19. Bubbly Pink

This girl’s bedroom has a magical and dreamy aesthetic achieved with a light and airy palette of pinks that prevents the wardrobes from looking bulky. Nature-inspired wallpaper accents the arched wall behind the seating and functions as an interactive backdrop within the bedroom. The décor exhibits a beautiful combination of modern and classical elements.

Designer: Daniel Design Studio

20. A Round Reading Nook

Reading is a wonderful habit, and the child’s room should be designed to encourage it! Give a private space to your little one to escape into a fantasy land while reading a book. Don’t miss the functional bunny rabbit-shaped wardrobe handles that add a fairy-tale vibe to the space.

Designer: Daniel Design Studio

So let your creative juices flow and add a playful flair to the wardrobes of your kid’s bedroom. A well-designed space looks great and is important for your child’s overall development.

The post Spectacular Ideas for Children’s Wardrobes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Kids lamp concept offers a more comforting and sustainable way to help children sleep at night

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Many people can’t sleep with the lights on, especially bright ceiling lights, but it’s a habit that may have been developed over the course of years. In contrast, children find it hard to sleep in the dark, especially when their imaginations and senses get the better of them, increasing their body tension and preventing them from descending into more relaxed states. The market for night lamps for kids is a big one, and, unfortunately, it’s a wasteful one as well. There is plenty of room for improvement and many problems to tackle, and this lamp design concept for kids tries to address those concerns from multiple angles, providing a smarter yet friendlier companion for the night.

Designer: Arlen Smart

Children’s products are specially designed to appeal to the younger interests and sensibilities of kids, but for some reason, that is often equated to the use of plastic materials and designs that are hard to repair or disassemble. The end result is often mountains of improperly disposed of toys, furniture, and accessories that endanger the very future of the planet that these kids will have to live on. At the same time, however, designing for sustainability seems to be a bit harder to pull off for kids’ products, a presumption that the Lumo light concept is trying to prove wrong.

Right off the bat, the night lamp looks like a toy, making them feel and look like friends that children can trust to watch over them at night. The handles on the sides look like arms, while the lampshade at the top looks like its head. The lamp is also supposedly easy to clean, disassemble, repair, and recycle, but there are also parts that won’t be easy for kids to reach, like an anti-affordance area at the top to prevent kids’ fingers from being trapped.

The lamp is also designed to be a bit smarter in how much energy it uses up by changing the way it lights up a space to help a child through the different phases of falling asleep. A wide, projected light from the top, for example, could give something for kids to focus on, lulling them to sleep. A “full-body” night mode lamp brings a gentler glow around the room to provide a sense of security, while a torch lamp can help them navigate in the dark when they need to go to the toilet. The lamp is also equipped with sensors that will prevent damaging a child’s sensitive eyes with bright light.

Smart, sustainable, and friendly, the Lumo not only brings forward a new design but also a new way of thinking about designing kids’ products. A lot has changed in the world since the earliest days of plastic toys and products, and it’s high time to rethink the materials we use, which could actually be harmful to children, and the way we make them for longevity and sustainability.

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Enabot EBO X is a security robot that disarms you with its cuteness

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It’s becoming more common for houses to have at least one indoor security camera, whether to keep an eye out for intruders or to look out for the safety of family members and pets. Knowing that there’s an all-seeing eye inside your house can cause both peace of mind and uneasiness, especially because of the cold and impersonal way most of these cameras are designed. Not much of a problem if you’re staying by yourself, but living with kids and pets changes the atmosphere and the requirements significantly. Not only will you need something that can keep up with these fast-moving creatures, but they also need to be something that the young ones can approach with confidence. That’s the kind of robot that the upcoming EBO X is, combining the safety features of a security camera on wheels in the guise of a cute robot that your kids and even pets can befriend.

Designer: Enabot

Futurists had us believing that our homes will be filled with robots by now, but so far, only robot vacuums have become a more common novelty in some households. Admittedly, there aren’t many use cases for other robots to be moving around the house aside from cleaning and maybe assisting those with limited mobility. Enabot, however, has been introducing home robots that, at first glance, seem to be just sophisticated toys but can actually become important safety measures, at least if they work perfectly.

EBO X is the latest spherical wheeled robot from the company, and it can do everything that its predecessors can and so much more. That includes monitoring your house remotely or communicating via voice with whoever is at home. It can also follow moving objects, like pets and small humans, to take timely pictures or even sound the alarm if it detects something amiss.

What really sets it apart, however, is its human-centric design, specifically kid-centric. Enabot gave the EBO X not only a cuter face, with dynamic lighting that changes according to its functions, but also a smarter brain. It can respond to voice commands, for example, so that kids can converse with the robot as if it was their friend. It also has touch-sensitive zones on its side for activating features, giving a more tactile and more personal experience as well.

In some ways, the EBO X sounds like just an upgraded version of other EBOs before it. Its more approachable and more relatable design, however, makes a world of difference that turns the device from an advanced security system to a family friend. And if robots are going to start invading our homes, looking friendly and adorable can help integrate them better into our daily lives.

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This air purifier for kids concept puts a friendly face on clean air

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Air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers are slowly becoming more common in houses these days. The newly-gained awareness that the air we breathe at home may not be as clean as we thought has helped push these appliances into living rooms and bedrooms. And just like many appliances, these come in impersonal and utilitarian designs, often as large cylinders standing in the center of the room. Their presence can be a bit disconcerting or even intimidating to children, encroaching on what they consider to be safe spaces at home. Unfortunately, these machines are seldom designed with kids in mind except for safety purposes, but this air purifier design concept tries to add an emotional element that makes them a more welcome addition to family life.

Designer: Matteo Ercole

It’s almost too easy to simply put a literal face on an appliance to make it look friendlier and then call it a day. That only does the bare minimum and might just confuse kids in the long run. After all, they might expect a smiling face at home to be a new friend, only to be disappointed by the machine’s lack of response. Willy, in contrast, seems to be alive, reacting to the presence of children while it goes about its duties, purifying the air around them.

Technically, Willy doesn’t actually have a face. It has two long slots that seem to resemble eyes and relies on our brains to fill in the rest. This capability, which even kids have, has long been utilized in both product and character designs, giving things a more anthropomorphic appearance by using only the suggestion of facial features. It leaves it to the viewer’s imagination to complete the face to match their personal tastes.

Willy isn’t just a friendly face, though. Those “eyes” are actually its ears, housing microphones that can pick up sound, allowing the head to turn toward its direction. While it doesn’t exactly have any practical utility as far as cleaning the air goes, it makes it seem like the appliance is attentive to the child. It’s as if Willy was an actual robot without going in that design direction.

Of course, it also has the standard air purifier parts, including HEPA H13 filters. Willy’s actual controls are on the top of its head, safely out of small kids’ reach, and its brain, the electronics that drive its functions, are also located there, following its anthropomorphic theme. In terms of technology, the design doesn’t really present anything groundbreaking, but it does give the appliance a more human touch that kids and even some adults will be able to appreciate.

 

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These animal toys are actually bath essentials for toddlers in disguise

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At some point in time, getting toddlers to take a bath becomes almost like a battle instead of just a chore. This problem has given rise to many products that try to make bath time not only safer but also more enjoyable for kids, which also makes it less stressful for parents and guardians. A lot of these kid-friendly products, however, are often not planet-friendly, particularly with the use of plastic containers that get thrown out once they run empty. Sometimes, it doesn’t take too much to think of a win-win solution for both humans and the environment, and this product concept tries to do exactly that with an eco-friendly shampoo and bath packaging that you don’t have to throw away anymore.

Designer: Monica Bhyrappa

Truth be told, packaging for bath essentials for kids like shampoo and soap are more concerned about safety than looking attractive. In fact, it might even be too risky to make shampoo bottles and powder containers look fun to play with, precisely because of the dangers that the substances in them pose. With a little extra care, however, it might actually be possible to have safe products that are also fun to play with, which is what Bebo tries to accomplish.

Bebo is a line of bath essentials products for toddlers that pull double duty. They are, of course, primarily designed to be containers for personal hygiene products like shampoo, gel soap, powder, and lotion. At the same time, however, these containers come in interesting shapes that resemble specific animals. In other words, these containers can become toys that these same toddlers can play with once they’re no longer in use. Of course, they’re also designed so that kids don’t accidentally open them up or squeeze out their contents even when they’re playing with them during bath time.

Each member of the Bebo line has a specific design and a specific way to be used. The shampoo bottle, for example, is an elephant, and the circle that its trunk makes can be used as a bubble maker. The Giant Panda gel soap container is a squishy toy, while the Giraffe powder bottle can be used as a rattle. Last but not least, the Gorilla is a lotion dispenser that also functions as a Roly Poly, thanks to its appropriately disproportionate body.

The choice of these four animals isn’t by accident. They represent four dying species that are also easily translated into cute toys for young children. In this manner, Bebo tries to establish an emotional connection between kids and these animals, which could help raise awareness of these endangered animals when they finally grow up.

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Walmart wants to wean kids on the metaverse through shopping and Roblox

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The metaverse might baffle many adults, but kids with wider and wilder imaginations might be able to wrap their heads around the concept better than their elders. In particular, younger people have already been enjoying a preview of these virtual worlds through games like Minecraft and Roblox. Of course, the metaverse is more than just a game and involves the interaction between the physical and the digital in some manner. That might be the part that stumps these young ones, so Walmart is embarking on an adventure that will get kids used to this aspect of the metaverse by bringing its brand and shopping experience to Roblox.

Designer: Walmart

Roblox is a child-friendly platform that lets kids (and even adults) unleash their creativity by building virtual objects, lands, and even games within the game. It’s pretty much like Minecraft but with more pixels, a bit more freedom, and plenty of safeguards to protect young users. Because of its open world design, it is practically a form of the metaverse that can be experienced without headsets. Naturally, it is also a fertile ground for establishing metaverse-related activities, like selling virtual goods and dealing in virtual money.

That’s the kind of opportunity that Walmart is now trying to grab with the announcement of two new experiences within the larger Roblox world. As the name suggests, the Universe of Play is an experience that revolves around playful activities, particularly toys. Virtual toys, of course. The highlight of this experience is Walmart’s blimp which will be showering Roblox users with a regular drop of toys to add to their collection.

Walmart Land, by comparison, is a more expansive metaverse setup. It has a place for music festivals, for example, something that is already common in Roblox. There is also a House of Style where kids can have fun discovering the world of fashion. Despite their different themes, both Walmart Land and Universe of Play experiences revolve around the concept of virtual merchandise or “verch” as a way for users to dress up and accessorize their avatars. Just like in a typical metaverse setting, these products have ties to real-world Walmart goods, except they’re exclusive to Roblox.

Walmart’s entry into the nascent metaverse ecosystem isn’t exactly surprising, but its decision to target a younger audience might ruffle a few feathers. It is inevitable that today’s kids will be the metaverse users of the future, so familiarizing them with concepts of virtual merchandise this early might not be a bad idea. That said, platforms like Roblox are already in danger of becoming a target of less conscientious companies, so new experiences focused on raising consumeristic mindsets might not sit well with some parents and guardians.

The post Walmart wants to wean kids on the metaverse through shopping and Roblox first appeared on Yanko Design.

This tactile building toy is a great way to enhance creativity for kids and adults alike

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Kids’ familiarity with technology is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they are able to easily learn and adapt to the tools and systems that make today’s world go round. On the other hand, they’re also more easily exposed to addictive behavior when using smartphones and tablets at the expense of learning some of the essential skills that would help them later on. As with anything in life, there needs to be some balance, especially at that early age, between digital and physical experiences. Physical and tactile toys can give learning a massive boost in more ways than one, and the Clixo Designer Pack building toy offers a novel way to accomplish that, with a pinch of sustainability thrown in the mix.

Designer: Assaf Eshet (Clixo)

When people hear “building toy,” most probably will think of the LEGO system. It is, by far, the most popular kind of toy that lets your imagination go wild, building anything from recreations of historical landmarks to robots. LEGO has also been used as the foundation for many scientific and technological learning systems for kids, but it’s definitely not the only kind of fun learning experience in town.

Clixo has made a new building toy system that offers more challenges to the mind with even more impressive results compared to stacking blocks together. Instead of just forcing a form to appear by combining rectangular blocks, this tactile toy requires a bit more outside-the-box thinking and creativity to create shapes that resemble objects, animals, and anything in between. Rather than starting with the end result in mind, the toy encourages some exploration and experimentation to create different kinds of shapes, even those that don’t have any counterparts in the real world.

The secret to Clixo is the strong magnets at the ends of the X-shaped pieces that you can connect to other pieces whichever way you want. The pieces themselves are flexible, so they can be bent and curved to the desired shape. That also means they can be laid flat and stored away neatly when not in use or simply stacked up together to quickly clean up. Kids don’t have to force pieces together and are not at risk of getting their skin pinched in the process.

The new Designer Pack brings those learning and inspiring benefits to kids at heart and adults. Opting for more earthy and muted colors, this new version focus on trying to massage one’s brain into creating solutions. It’s the perfect way to take a break from current problems by giving your mind the freedom to explore. You might even find the solution to your work problem by creating some fantastic piece of art from Clixo.

Unlike the millions of mass-produced LEGO bricks, Clixo is made from recyclable and durable synthetic paper. Even the packaging is made from recycled bamboo and is sustainably manufactured. It’s the perfect introduction to sustainability for kids, showing how their long-lasting and fun new toy not only helps them learn but also helps protect their future.

The post This tactile building toy is a great way to enhance creativity for kids and adults alike first appeared on Yanko Design.