09/09/2021 – Kind + Jugend 2021
Nominated products: Kids Design Award 2021
The Kids Design Awards are once again being presented at the “Re-Start Edition” of Kind + Jugend 2021. An independent jury comprising experts in children’s furniture and toys, industry representatives and journalists from the specialist press have judged all the entries and chosen their ten favourite designs. The most important selection criteria include innovative character, form and function and choice of materials. We are pleased to bring you the nominees.
"Ludo" is a mix between side table and play furniture. It can be modified in the blink of an eye, with every 90-degree turn offering a different function, be it a rocker, a reading bench or even a toy for imaginary games. Thanks to its neutral and open design, it is a functional piece of furniture for the whole family that does not have to be tucked away in a kid's corner after use. © Teresa Egger
Luca is a piece of furniture that unites play and interior design. Its longevity is one of its most outstanding features. After being used as a doll's house, Luca can be transformed into a sideboard, or with minimal intervention, even into a toy. The exposed design allows play from all angles. When the children have flown the nest, Luca offers space for ornaments. The dividing walls can be freely positioned as can the shelves. © Janine Baumeister
"iamkind" stands for simple and iconic products that enrich children's environments and stimulate the imagination. The toys, furniture and accessories are made of high-quality, timeless material and can be integrated into a modern living space. The designers developed the "Emil" children's chair together with their son in order to optimally adapt the size, weight and shape to his needs. The "Casa" miniature house consists of three different modules that can be arranged freely and imaginatively. The modules can be stacked inside each other to save space when tidying up. © Martin Hesen
"Ludo" is a mix between side table and play furniture. It can be modified in the blink of an eye, with every 90-degree turn offering a different function, be it a rocker, a reading bench or even a toy for imaginary games. Thanks to its neutral and open design, it is a functional piece of furniture for the whole family that does not have to be tucked away in a kid's corner after use. © Teresa Egger
"FoodLoop" is a child-friendly set consisting of a raised bed and composter for balcony or terrace. It allows youngsters, whether at home or as a group at kindergarten, to follow the natural process of planting and growing. The set is complemented with age-appropriate, illustrated instruction cards and activity suggestions that enable kids to learn each step on their own and in a self-determined manner. Experiencing nature in action not only improves children's health and motor skills, but also their understanding and appreciation of living things. © Alexandra Lieb and Catherine Haentges
The "Werkelküche" is a gender-neutral activity workplace that allows children to immerse themselves in individual play worlds. The existing elements offer a variety of play options. For example, the curved worktop can be used as a sink, workshop or small ski slope. Storage space and hiding places are provided by the side compartments, which can also be used as an oven. With the help of the colourful and interchangeable tools, children can realise their ideas and playfully imitate the adult world. © Christine Oehme
Millions of children around the world suffer from educational poverty. Especially from the ages of three to seven, it is hugely important to discover the principles of life through playing with friends. Often, however, there is a lack of suitable toys. The "Dream Muds" are reminiscent of cookie cutters and enable children to make differently shaped mud blocks that serve as toys or, together with the shapes, make a puzzle. © Reza Kaboudmehri
"zackig." is a modular urban piece of furniture that is much more than just a seat for use in public spaces, thanks not least to its playful appearance and various assembly options. With the help of a 1:10 construction kit, different variants can be planned. The aim of the design is partly to draw attention to the systematic displacement of meeting and recreational spaces in favour of motorised private transport. On the other hand, playful and participatory approaches are used to show how easy it can be to make urban spaces more people-friendly. © Simon Kurze
What potential is hidden behind the often unused areas around windows? Gesa Janßen explored this question during the Covid-19 pandemic when life was primarily lived within one's own four walls. With her light building blocks, children can create new play spaces that would otherwise remain unused. These transparent latex building blocks interact with the translucent light and function as a medium between the indoor and outdoor world. They can be built not only around the windows of a child's bedroom, but also on bathroom tiles, shower walls, mirrors, car, train or tram windows, glass bottles, drinking glasses and many other surfaces. © Gesa Janßen
"Make Racers" bridges the gap between crafts and the digital space. Children use the kit under guidance to build and design their own customisable cars out of cardboard. They can then use the "Make Racers" mobile app to scan their creations and race online with their friends. "Aimed at 10-16-year-olds, Make Racers is designed to motivate children to improve their dexterity and conjure up unique creations. © Eoghan Roe
"Sdegn" is a children's wardrobe whose modular elements can be individually adapted to the size of the child. The aim is to teach children how to keep tidy in a playful way and to etch these habits upon their memory so that they become rituals that can be repeated at kindergarten or at home. Thanks to the airy perforated plate, open doors and loose plug-in system, clothes, wellies, play trousers and more all have a home. © Konrad Hacker