Exploring furniture design as a cognitive development activity for children

Abstract

Knockdown furniture designed for kids are not often meant to be assembled by the children themselves; heavy parts, complicated joinery and assembly don't allow this. The aim of this project is to explore the possibilities of furniture design as a Do-it-yourself (DIY) activity for children. Using DIY furniture design to aid cognitive development in children and help them to learn and understand basics of ergonomics, comfort and their own physical growth through design activity. Furniture is something we are constantly in contact with for our daily activities, hence forming an emotional bond with it over the time. The research aimed to understand the factors that affect this long term bond. It involves case studies of various products for children. The cases studies and insights drawn helped to establish design parameters; the concepts were then modelled after these parameters.