koby – a gender sensible children's toy
Looking at different products, gender-typed design can be seen in practice in our everyday lives. This starts early in our development – especially when looking closer at children’s toys, which are often clearly divided and labeled for boys and girls according to their associated roles. This gender-typed form of play can lead to differences in the development of skills and abilities. My project aims to encourage a shift in mindset and avoid exclusion or limitation based on gender. By designing a children’s toy, I wanted to start early and break stereotypes by rethinking the current state. Therefore, it is based on cooperative play to dissolve existing boundaries and encourage boundless interaction among children.
Research
Gender often serves as a social organizing principle, forming a hierarchy between men and women. This can be seen through differences in design, which shapes respective experiences and brings forth different perception and abilities.
From an early age, gender-specific toys create different experiences and give rise to „two cultures of childhood“. As a result, boys are more encouraged in spatial skills, especially with building sets and blocks, which are societally viewed as more masculine. Concurrently, girls are supported in developing more verbal and social skills through their play. However, external influences have significant impacts in the influence of children’s preferences and development.
Ideate
Based on the research, the following points emerge and defined the project:
1. A product for children, aiming to address gender differentiation issues from an early stage.
2. It should not adhere to typical gender norms.
3. It will be an analog product, designed to stimulate tactile experience, motor skills, cognition and encourage physical activity.
4. The end product should prioritize simplicity, ensuring that operation and handling occur intuitively.
The essence: The product should blend spatial thinking with verbal and social competence, thereby promoting equal opportunities.
Naming
To find a suitable name for the product, I have formulated some criteria. An easy pronunciation is important for a children's toy as well as a neutral name, as is should not be labeled as "for boys" or "for girls". In search of a suitable name, I collected terms that describe, associate and represent the product.
"koby" is composed of "cooperative" and "building" (Norwegian: kooperativ bygge) and that is exactly what it stands for.
Material
The many benefits of wood for toys have reinforced my choice of material. Besides the natural texture, it provides durability, stability and is also hygienic. It is also sustainable, dimensionally stable and therefore offers numerous advantages. For the right choice of wood type, it was important to consider factors like weight, stability and that it does not splinter, since a safe play should be guaranteed.
All these factors resulted in the implementation with 12mm thick birch plywood. Because of the glued layers of plywood, it offers high stability and yet is not significantly heavier than solid wood. Also, birch wood is commonly used for children's toy due to its well-suited characteristics.
Form
My research has led me to a simple form that is meant to encourage uncomplicated and intuitive play through numerous possibilities. To promote social cooperation and maximize creative opportunities, the shape is designed to be spacious, primarily offering children the opportunity to create their own play environment. After initial experimentation and testing, a mix of squared and oval shapes offer a mix of movement and stability.
Manufacturing
The created form was initially milled using the CNC machine and then further processed with the handheld router. Afterwards, the wood was carefully sanded, as it was important not to remove too much material in order to maintain the specified distance between the cutouts and the thickness of the material, ensuring stability and an easy assembly. Once the logo was laser-engraved, the wood could be treated with a clear coat that is suitable for children's toys and saliva-proof. This ensures both, a safe play and durability.
