Tag Archives: Kids

Card game helps kids learn about colours and be offline

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There is still an ongoing conversation (debate) amongst educators, parents, and psychologists on the amount of screen time that we should allow kids to have. Of course there’s a balance between screens and offline activities although that’s pretty hard to achieve. It’s also hard to wean this generation away from their devices but one way is to provide alternative activities for them at school and especially at home. And maybe, we can even get them to create their own alternatives.

Designer: Pupils from The Piggot School

The winner for this year’s Design Museum’s Design Ventura competition may be a fun alternative for children and adults alike. The Colour Countdown card game created by the pupils at The Piggot School was inspired by classic analog games Uno and I Spy. It can bring out the competitive spirit amongst players but also lets them interact with their surroundings instead of just focusing on various screens. This is an annual competition for students aged 13-16 to create something that will eventually be sold in the Design Museum.

Each card has a coloured cellophane window and can be combined with other cards to create different blends of colours. The players have to find things around their space which will match the card or cards that they’re holding. It can be played in any environment but of course since you’re dealing with colours, it is better played somewhere with a lot of colourful objects around. The cards are also eco-friendly as it uses FSC-certified paper and the cellophane is made from wood pulp.

The next step for the Colour Countdown is that it will be developed by the students with a professional agency. It will eventually be manufactured and then sold at the Design Museum Shop so you actually have the chance to own and play this game. Who says only kids need to be weaned away from their screens?

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Electronic 3D book concept helps visually impaired kids feel the magic of fairy tales

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Reading is already a difficult task for people with visual impairments, but it’s especially challenging when it comes to material that involves a lot of visual elements. Adults might have not much of a problem visualizing those words in their minds, but children who are still developing their mental libraries will probably have a harder time. Fairy tales and fictional books with fantasy elements are examples of these highly visual materials, and simply hearing the narration or feeling the words through Braille feels rather insufficient to capture the emotions and magic of the stories. This electronic book concept tries to offer an equally magical experience that makes the objects and scenes pop out from the book, almost literally.

Designers: Subin Kim, Yujeong Shin, Seungyeon Lee

It’s pretty amazing how blind and visually impaired people can read a book while sliding their hands across seemingly random dots, almost like magic. But the text on a page doesn’t exactly show the images associated with the words, relying on your imagination to conjure up those associations mentally. Of course, that comes almost like second nature for those with normal eyesight, but the visually impaired, especially younger ones, need a bigger boost to help match words with shapes and objects.

bbook is a concept for an electronic 3D book that provides all the necessary tools for a child with visual impairments to not only make sense of but also enjoy such fantastical books. It has an audio component that reads the book out loud, with large tactile buttons that let the reader skip forward or backward as desired. There’s also a dynamic Braille “page” where dots rise and sink as the words change.

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The most interesting part of the book, however, is the fabric-like material on the opposite page. This soft material would also rise to create bumps but not as words in Braille but as actual three-dimensional objects related to the story being told. It could be Snow White’s apple, Cinderella’s glass slipper, or the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood. In addition to the educational value of this feature, it also helps make the story feel even more magical.

Every part of the 3D book was designed so that a visually impaired individual could use it without assistance. Even the charging indicators are elevating dots rather than LEDs so they can feel how much more time it needs. bbook also has a rather interesting feature where each individual story is inserted into the device like a USB stick, making each tale a memorable and magical experience.

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Mixed Reality Magnifying Glass for Kids Shows the World in a Different Light

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When people talk about augmented or mixed reality, they most likely imagine strapping bulky visors to their heads and blocking their eyes. Although that is definitely the primary way to experience an immersive fusion of the physical and the digital, mixed reality actually goes beyond living in virtual worlds or seeing apps floating in front of you. You could, for example, point your smartphone somewhere in the real world and see a glimpse of digital information through that small window. Limited as that experience might sound, it can actually open up a whole new world to discover, especially if it allows children to learn more about the world they live in, giving them access to flora and fauna that they would have never encountered in the wild.

Designer: Junwoo Lim

To a child’s eyes, the world is both magical and mysterious, and that’s just for the things they can actually see. Our planet has a lot more treasures and oddities than they could possibly imagine, but most of them are out of reach due to urban development and safety considerations. At most, kids can learn about them through books, videos, and other flat media that, while informative, lack the proper context that young minds need to truly appreciate the scale of these earthbound creatures.

Mono is a mixed reality device concept that unlocks that world and allows kids to not only learn but also enjoy discovering these nuggets of knowledge in a way that doesn’t take them away from their current environment. Using mixed reality technologies, the gadget overlays virtual creatures like insects and animals on top of real-world objects, making them look like they’re actually there on the roof or in your hand. This allows kids to see them in their proper scale, observe their natural movement, or even see them interact with each other, all while still having access to additional text information layered on top of this view.

The device comes in a design that looks like a toy magnifying glass, an object that has long been associated with exploration and discovery. Instead of a transparent lens, it has a camera on one side and a screen on the other. Theoretically, the user can put the screen close to their eye the same way they would use a real magnifying glass, though that raises questions about the safety of that method. The controls for the device are simple enough for a child to understand, including a single button for power and a slider for zooming in and out to understand the scale of the creature being observed.

The Mono concept design tries to fill in an educational need for kids to learn more about the world in a safe and engaging environment, but without weighing down their heads with headsets. It demonstrates how mixed reality can be more than just an entertainment medium or a productivity tool for adults, but something that kids can also benefit from. A magnifying glass design definitely carries that exploration vibe, though it’s questionable whether it’s an appropriate one given how kids are likely to put the screen right in front of their eyes.

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Cute Camera for Kids Concept gets budding shutterbugs started early

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Smartphone photography is a huge part of modern culture today, whether it’s for preserving precious memories or for taking food photos to flaunt on social media. And just like how big touch screens like tablets have become children’s toys in one way or another, it might only be a matter of time before the younger generation becomes interested in taking photos. Of course, camera apps even on the most kid-friendly tablet aren’t exactly kid-friendly, not to mention the device itself won’t be the best medium for inducting toddlers into the wonderful world of digital photography. This concept design tries to address those issues by turning a digital camera into an object that kids are most familiar with: a toy.

Designer: Nicola Morelli

While smartphone manufacturers are indeed trying to make taking photos as simple as tapping on the shutter button, especially with the help of AI, there will always be occasions when you need to manually adjust some settings. That’s true not just for changing ISO, focus, and shutter speed, but also for the selfie timer. Typical camera apps make these settings easy to change if you’re an adult, but toddlers 3 years or older are a very different story. And there’s the fact that a touchscreen isn’t exactly the best interface for kids still developing cognitive and motor abilities.

This Camera for Kids concept design attempts to transform the digital camera into a more tactile experience by using physical controls for using the camera. And it’s not just any old physical control, which would make it similar to a complicated professional camera. Instead, it uses metaphors that kids might be more familiar with for those same actions, ensuring that their functions remain understandable even if the underlying concepts aren’t.

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The shutter button, for example, takes the form of a water gun trigger that most kids will probably know how to use. A crank lever is used to change focus and brightness, and taking selfies involves pulling a “TNT” string that shortens as it counts down to the shot. The toy-like operation as well as the appearance of these parts help instill a sense of confidence and fun, encouraging the child to explore and discover rather than be intimidated by the device.

The camera also has a modular design that makes it easier to use, like an actual mirror for those selfies, a flash for lighting, and a strap for carrying around the kid’s neck. Almost like building blocks, kids or their parents can mix and match these parts, depending on what they need or want to do at the time. It’s an example of a thoughtful design that truly puts the target audience, in this case, little photographers, at the center of the experience, shaping technology around them rather than forcing them to adopt to something their minds aren’t yet ready to tackle.

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How to Design a Children’s Nursery

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Creating a nursery can be an enjoyable process for expectant parents but anticipating the needs of a yet-to-arrive child is a daunting challenge. After all, it’s a place where you can unleash your inner child, exploring creative ideas, playful colors, and patterns. Figuring out where to start and what essentials to assemble before the baby comes home can be overwhelming.

Before designing the nursery, make sure that the nursery complements the overall decor of your home and can embrace various styles such as contemporary, minimalist, modern, or a blend of eclectic elements, much like any other room in the house. If you planning to create a nursery at home, here are tips to get you going.

Designer: Amanda Lewis

1. Assess the Space

Begin by assessing the area where you plan to establish the nursery. Is it in proximity to your bedroom? Check the size of the room, the level of natural light it receives, notable features like niches, and the amount of available storage. Also, check whether the room will be shared with a sibling.

2. Design the Layout

Designer: courkylynn

Create an efficient layout by dividing the nursery into sleeping, feeding, and diaper-changing zones. It is important to select the right furniture as baby furniture is available in various sizes and not every piece fits into every home. It is important to measure the space and check the dimensions of the furniture before purchasing it.

3. Make Space for Parents or Caregivers

Designer: Rafaella Grasnoff

The nursery is not just for the baby but also the parents, as they will also be spending maximum time there. It is important to create an atmosphere that is not only pleasing for the baby but also soothing and relaxing atmosphere for the parents as they will be spending sleepless nights there. It is advisable to have a sofa bed to provide a comfortable space for the mom or a caregiver to rest during nap times.

4. Pick a Color Palette

Go through some inspirational photos and choose a color palette for your baby’s nursery. Consider pastel colors like pale pink and soft yellow to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Note that gender-neutral colors like grey, beige, and white can reflect light and create the illusion of more space. It is highly recommended to achieve a serene and understated atmosphere by adhering to a soft and minimal color palette.

5. Choose a Theme

Designer: La Petite Bebê Boutique

Choose a theme for your baby’s room and consider options like butterflies, flowers, space, nursery rhymes, or animals are endless. Popular decor themes include baby animals, dinosaurs, cartoon characters, or nautical motifs. Opting for a neutral paint color paired with simple decor can create a room your child can ‘age into,’ saving money in the long run.

6. Go for Eco-Friendly Materials

Prioritize your baby’s health over aesthetics and avoid purchasing attractive furniture made from PVC or opting for paint colors with high VOC levels. Note that many new products, including paint, flooring, and furniture, contain harmful toxins.

7. Soft Furnishing

Decorate the space with soft textures and easy-to-maintain natural materials. Opt for a durable, washable rug like wool or short-pile carpet to add flair to the room, providing cushioning for your little one while avoiding potential choking hazards.

8. Add Visual Interest

Designer: bohobraidteacher

Create visual interest in your nursery by incorporating a wallpaper accent wall, providing an opportunity to elevate the room’s appearance and explore various textures and prints. You can also apply wallpaper to the ceiling to introduce a playful element without overwhelming the space, considering that babies spend a lot of time on their backs. If you do not want to commit, opt for removable wallpaper or wall stickers that can be changed as the baby grows.

9. Lighting

Designer: Bebê Casa

Incorporate various lighting elements as nursery lighting plays a vital role, with ceiling lights, floor lamps, and adjustable table lamps being essential options to have distributed throughout the room.

10. Window Treatment

Designer: Cozy Nursery

Select window treatments like blinds, shades, or curtains with blackout features to ensure essential darkness in the nursery for optimal baby sleep. This will manage the level of light entering the nursery and help maintain a regulated temperature in the space.

11. Add Functional Storage

Designer: Rafaella Velasque

Opt for attractive and functional baskets in cute animal designs like elephants, lions, or bears to add texture to your nursery design while serving as storage for diapers, sheets, toys, and other items.

12. Beautify with Plants

Designer: Tracy Danet

In nurseries, incorporating houseplants can contribute to air purification, with non-toxic plants not only promoting clean air but also fostering a serene ambiance.

13. Soft Toys

Designer: Nadine

The nursery will be incomplete with soft toys so utilize stuffed animals as decorative accents that also entertain babies during diaper changes.

14. Storage Solutions

Designer: Scandi Nursery Decor & Toys

Irrespective of your space’s square footage, maintaining organization while preserving style can be challenging. Effective nursery storage is a game-changer so explore storage concepts such as cubbies, shelving, bookcases, and toy boxes.

15. Add a Personal Touch

Bring personal elements into the nursery to craft a space that resonates with your preferences. Contemplate incorporating family photos and cherished heirlooms to add a special and meaningful touch to the environment.

16. Assess the Costs

Planning the design of a nursery is a financial commitment, hence it is advisable to determine your budget for the nursery design before formulating the design plan.

What are the Nursery Furniture Essentials?

When buying nursery furniture, prioritize safety by securely anchoring furniture and safely tucking away cords. Opt for durable, eco-friendly, non-toxic furniture that is responsibly made. Choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain for a more compact and manageable nursery setup.

• The Crib

Designer: Brooke Schultz

Regardless of whether your crib is a standard one or convertible, your baby will spend a substantial amount of time in it. Enhance the environment by adding a mobile featuring felt animals or colorful stars for your baby to play with. Opting for a convertible crib that transforms into a toddler bed or a full-sized mattress ensures longevity as your baby grows. If there’s a worry about your child attempting to crawl out of the crib, investing in a toddler rail can offer added security. You can also consider that are designed with built-in drawers that provide extra storage space for blankets, sheets, baby gear, and toys.

• Diaper Changing Station

Designer: Kelly Foyt

If space permits, you have the option to incorporate a changing table into your nursery. However, many parents opt for changing toppers that can be securely attached to a dresser or choose a combo crib to make the most of the available square footage.

• Introduce a Rocking Chair

You’ll invest a significant amount of time feeding, burping, reading, and bonding with your baby, therefore, comfortable seating is essential. Consider incorporating a spacious, comfortable rocking chair for late-night feedings and a side table with a lamp to enhance the room’s cozy ambiance.

• Add Wall Shelves

Designer: Gemma Deighan

Open shelves provide an excellent storage solution for bedtime storybooks. Wall shelves also serve to store items you want to keep nearby but out of the baby’s reach. Beyond their practicality, shelves offer a wonderful space to enhance the ambiance by adding items like a plant or a small stuffed animal.

By following these tips, nurseries can become memorable spaces where you’ll spend significant time with your baby right from the moment you bring them home to the transition into big kid beds.

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The Little Toy is an Eames-inspired Ticket To Some Retro Fun and Creativity

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For everyone who loves DIY and spaces, this one’s for you! The Eames Office just pulled off the ultimate nostalgia move by resurrecting The Little Toy, a blast from the past that hasn’t seen the light of day since 1961. Charles and Ray Eames, the dynamic design duo, cooked up this gem in 1952 as a tabletop spin-off of their iconic creation, The Toy. And trust me, it’s not just a reissue; it’s a time-traveling invitation to creativity for both the OG fans and the newbies.

Designer: Eames Office

The Toy was for playing “in,” but The Little Toy is all about playing “with.” It’s like they miniaturized the fun, letting you build tiny sets, tents, and houses to jazz up your toy collection. Unlike its flexible predecessor, The Little Toy uses sturdier cardboard panels. It is a DIY dreamland for kids and grown-ups.

The Eames magic remains intact – freedom to build whatever your creative heart desires. The Little Toy consists of colored cardboard panels that are tougher than ever, replacing the old plastic-coated paper which is also a gesture towards sustainability. And forget the dowel rods; they’ve jazzed up the assembly with wireframes, making it a breeze to dive into the creative process.

Back in the day (1952-1961 to be exact), The Toy was the answer to space issues and a game-changer when paired with other toys. Tigrett Enterprises of Kansas made sure this mini marvel was a hit. It’s a testament to the Eameses’ knack for turning everyday materials into something extraordinary.

Fast forward to now, and The Little Toy is back, sporting a retro price tag of $79. This reissue isn’t just about reliving the good ol’ days; it’s an open invitation to explore prefab architecture and modular magic. With its vibrant panels and snazzy wireframes, you can go wildcrafting toy houses, funky sculptures, or even desktop architectural wonders.

This revived Little Toy isn’t just a relic; it’s your golden ticket to unlocking creativity, just like it did over fifty years ago. The Eames Office has not only resurrected a classic but handed you a chance to embrace that timeless spirit of play and innovation. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the past and let your creativity run wild!

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This reversible mid-high bed concept can grow with your child

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Buying furniture as adults can already be quite a stressful endeavor, but buying one for kids doubles or even triples the difficulty. Not only do you have to consider safety and comfort, but you also have to consider how they can grow up fast and make those products useless in just a year or two. That’s why parents might sometimes be tempted to buy more affordable furniture that they can either dispose of, resell, or give away quickly, which is a practical solution but not a smart one. It would be better if the furniture could actually change and adapt to the child’s growing needs, like this mid-high bed design concept that still be used by the same kid after they’ve grown a bit.

Designer: A Su (PUPUPULA)

It might be surprising to learn that there is a lot more variety when it comes to kids’ bed designs. Some types are better for certain ages, while others provide room for more than one person. Like most beds, however, these are often designed with a singular target audience in mind, which means they easily outgrow their use and their charm in just a few years. That wouldn’t be much of a problem if not for the expense and waste that comes with replacing those beds again and again.

The Big Eyes bed concept solves that problem by employing a design that can change its purpose depending on the number or age of its owners. And it doesn’t employ complicated tricks like modular or moving parts that could actually be dangerous for a toddler. Instead, you can simply flip it over to change it from a mid-high bed to a basic bed and vice-versa.

The mid-high bed position is perfect for younger kids or siblings who need to share the same bed space. The top bunk is the main bed, while the bottom space can act as a secondary bed or a spacious play area. Once the child grows up a bit, however, removing the ladder and turning the bed over changes the story completely, with the bottom now acting as a basic bed and the top frame as a place to hang cotton canvas play curtains for some privacy.

Big Eyes is made of birch plywood, which gives the bed a warm, welcoming tone. There are no moving parts or hidden compartments, making it easier to turn the bed over as needed. The bed’s design is actually quite minimalist, leaving the freedom of decoration and personalization to parents and kids. That same simple design, however, is also its strength, allowing it to have that reversible functionality you won’t be able to pull off on more sophisticated designs.

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