Design for Developing Minds
Identifying and designing for pain points in cognitive, social, emotional, or physical development of children
Focusing on Kindergarten-aged children, we interviewed teachers, psychologists, school administrators, occupational therapists, and other childcare specialists as well as parents to understand the numerous developmental milestones of children at this age. We also used these interviews to identify developmental areas where delays are most likely to occur.
Orienting the project towards the classroom environment, it was important that our design be relevant, constructive, productive, and enjoyable
The classroom chair
Boring and uncomfortable, this ubiquitous piece of educational furniture is just that- furniture.
We asked how we could make the chair something more - something that was actually part of the learning experience.
You is a chair designed to foster growth in all four major areas of child development. When students arrive on the first day of class and have the opportunity to build their chair, they take part in building their learning environment and thereby forge a connection to it.
Students can find pride in their accomplishment, create their own personal space, collaborate, and express themselves in a form that is playful, but fades into the background when necessary.
You is not just another developmental aid toy. It brings play into the learning environment in a constructive way that doesn't distract from day to day learning the way that other focus and fidget toys sometimes do.
Designed in partnership with Brennan Gudmundson