Design Opportunity

As a conclusion to my research, it became clear that designing a product that eliminates maximum plastic while also boosting children’s creativty and imagination skills.

Refinement

User Testing Insights

User testing revealed natural play behavior across age groups

Open-ended system enabled varied spatial configurations

Children independently build stable forms using intuitive connectors

Ridges and tensions were noted to improve stablity

Rod-heavy configurations encourage larger builds

Glow elements increased enegagement and excitement

Notable Design Criteria:

• More rods than connectors

• Glow-in-the-dark

• Creativity options

• Visual imagery to inspire imagination

Final Design

System Features

• Glow-in-the-dark rubber connectors

• Wooden structural rods

• Fabric play panels

• Modular creative accessories.

Designed for

• Open-ended imaginative play

• Intuitive child-safe assembly

• Structural stability

• Flexible storytelling environments

Multi-directional socket geometry

Boredom Research

Boredom encourages creativity, imagination and independent problem-solving.

It is not boredom that improves these skills, but rather what kids do with boredom that goes to improve these skills.

Skills Boredom Helps to Improve:

• Creativity

• Imaginative

• Original Thinking

• Strategies

• Tolerance

• Problem-Solving

Exploration

Connector Exploration

• Developed child-safe secure connection geometry

• Tested multiple socket depths and friction-fit tolerances

• Iterated rod lengths and attachment systems

Material Exploration

• Replaced plastic rods with natural wood dowels for improved sustainability and stability

• Tested various PLA types and colors for children chosen preferences

• TPU connectors improved flexibility and grip for children

• Glow additives increased sensory engagement

Proposed Materials

• Rubber Connectors with Strontium Aluminate

• Natural Wooden Dowel Rods

• Ripstop Nylone

Play Experience

Children can build worlds ranging from clubhouses to pirate ships; encouraging the ultimate imagination and collaboration

Full Starter Set includes:

• 48 Connectors (includes 2-6 way configurations)

• 72 Structural Rods

• 24 Panels

• 12 Suction Cups

• 8 Flags

• 4 Rotational Propellers

Physical Prototyping

System Value

• Expandable system supporting add-ons and structural growth

• Designed with durable, reusable materials to reduce waste

Developmental Impact

• Encourages problem-solving through open-ended construction

• Supports creativity, imagination, and flexible thinking

• Builds confidence through independent play

• Adaptable across environments indoors, outdoors, and educational settings