Why you design products for children?
I suppose, it is a way to riconciliate with my playful spirit.
What was your inspiration for the stackable chair?
As for everything else I designed, I started from myself and what I would like to have to help me organize my surroundings the best way possibile. Stacking chairs one on another is a great way to make more space for different activities. On the other hand, as a product designer, I am a kind of hamster and simply there aren’t enough shelves available for storage. Unfortunately.
How children respond to this play-furniture?
In general, kids respond incredibly well to furniture that respect their height. It makes them feel special and important. The element they liked most is the possibility of storage not only as a display unit, but also, the possibility of HIDING their precious little things.
Are there other products that you produce specifically for children?
Yes I do. But the project I prefer the most, is unfortunately still in the concept stage. It combines two elements: it is essentially a carpet but the child can customize the printed motif by starting from scratch any time it feels to. I still have to find the most convenient joinery system both for the child as for the production process.
Suitable design for kids – what does that mean for you?
Or more important, what does it mean for the kids? By observing the kids play, I find them especially involved when the object they’re playing with allows them to use their imagination the best way possible. So, subsequently, suitable designs for kids are the ones that are imposing and catchy, but transparent enough to let the kids’ imagination and creativity go a long long way with no barriers.
A few personal questions at the end: What toys did you play with as a child? Did you have a favorite toy?
I played with everything I could put my hands on. Not only toys. But if I think of a toy, I remember I was especially entertained by colourful Mushroom nails. I adored them, but since i often left the house floor fully covered by them, my mother vacuumed them away leaving me with a romantic memory of the toy I really adored.
Do you feel there is a toy that every child should have (also by other designers and manufacturers)
I personally like any kind of jigsaw or constructive toys, but every child has its own affinities and the adults should respect that.
And subsequently: What toy do you think is a completely superfluous?
Sincerely, I cannot think of one that is completely superfluous. Anything that surrounds us teaches something. Of course, not everything gives a positive experience, but life itself is a mixture of positive and negative experiences and one should experience both.