Why you design products for children?
I am still a child myself, that is the first reason why I like designing products for children. For me, a product for kids means fun and that is why I like it so much. When I was a child my favorite thing was “talking nonsense”, which means inventing weird and funny situation and stories. Making toys and products for kids in general is a little bit like that, every silly idea counts… even a walking chair =)
What was your inspiration for your play furniture PET?
The inspiration for my walking chair for kids PET came from the experience of observing children, I watched how they act and play. I recognized that kids have a very special relationship with their favorite stuff, like their toys or even furniture. I found out that a child’s favorite little chair is a very valuable object- they will drag it with them wherever they go just to sit on their own chair!
Are there other products that you produce specifically for children?
Yes, I work in the toy industry with companies around the world. I wear two hats, a designer’s hat and a toy inventor’s one. Some projects I do both and sometimes and design other people’s ideas.
A few personal questions at the end: What toys did you play with as a child? Did you have a favorite toy?
When I was a child my favorite game was to build a little house from blankets, chair and pillows and to go inside. I used to invite friends and we were creating little houses around the whole apartment. I loved imagining and creating my own world… that’s why I created PET, so kids will see beyond the obvious, PET could be any animal a child decides…a dog, a sheep, elephant, millipede…
Do you feel there is a toy that every child should have (also by other designers and manufacturers)?
I think that every child should have an Ipad… kidding -J) My tendency is always for open toys like Lego or Play-Doh. One of the coolest toys out there today is Bunchems from Spin Master.
If you look into a crystal ball and predict your future as a designer: what children’s product would you like to design next?
My dream is to create products that will be fun for the whole family, children and parents at the same time. Laughing is one of my hobbies and I know how good it feels. So I hope to make people laugh through my creation.
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