Climber’s Crate
Multi-functional furniture that encourages children to play, safely.
observations
Play is far more powerful for children than manny parents realize. In the early years, children’s main way of learning and developing is through play. Increasingly, researchers are uncovering the value of climbing, one of the most important forms of play. Climbing aids in children’s mental and physical development, and has been shown to improve creativity, memory, and critical thinking abilities.
problems
However, this means that children are prone to climb on anything and everything within reach. There is currently no federally mandated standard in furniture stability. Consequently, most furniture found in homes is not stable enough to support being climbed on.
11,3000 children on average visit the ER each year for furniture tip-over injuries, and 91% of child tip-over fatalities occur in a residential setting.
product analysis
We found that on the market, there is not much overlap between furniture that serves a function such as storage or workspace and furniture that is interactive and playful.
We should build safe, functional furniture for children that…
encourages exploratory and unstructured play,
inspires imaginative interactions,
and provides a comforting reassurance for first time parents.
target audiences
user
Children between 2 and 5 are at the highest risk. As they begin to navigate the home by themselves they grow curious about objects that might be out of reach, they are not only unable to recognize dangerous situations, but also lack the control to avoid danger.
buyer
First time parents might assume that their furniture is safe and overlook this danger. They are already worried and stressed by this brand new experience and are often bombarded with new information.
sketches
early ideation
refined ideation
final concept
8 cushions, 9 storage compartments, a slide, a desk, and a rocking toy.
storage space
Compartments can hold all of the cushions, or can be used as storage space for clothes, toys, and crafts.
modularity
Different configurations for different rooms.
stair nosing
Soft foam provides extra protection, improves visibility by defining the steps, and provides a little more room for feet to stand on.
soft closings
Lids will lower slowly and gently to avoid crushing the smallest of fingers and lids stay open until you are ready to close, no need to prop it open!
self locking desk
Easy up and down and closes using a simple fingertip release mechanism.
context
why?
A child's only job is to develop physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively. Eliminating all risks would also eliminate challenges essential to children's growth and development.
Climbing and descending stairs requires a combination of strength, balance, timing and equilibrium. It takes coordinated effort to avoid missteps, falls and injury. Our product focuses on design factors that contribute to ease-of-use and safety for children on stairs.
The lower the height, the lower the danger. Children are most at risk of serious injury from falling from a height > 5ft, and toddlers under the age of 2 at > 3.3ft.
