Mr. Mole with Four Pockets Educational Toy by Jiahua Zhu |
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| DESIGN NAME: Mr. Mole with Four Pockets PRIMARY FUNCTION: Educational Toy INSPIRATION: Nonviolent communication is a communication methodology devised by the eminent psychologist Marshall Rosenberg. The objective of this technique is to facilitate individuals in expressing their needs and feelings without passing any judgment or blame on others. The ultimate aim of nonviolent communication is to enhance interpersonal relationships and mitigate conflicts. Despite its significance, nonviolent communication is not extensively taught to children, leaving them bereft of its valuable teachings. Regrettably, most schools and educational institutions overlook the importance of this essential tactic, resulting in children being unable to develop their communication skills to their full potential. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Mr. Mole storybook and plush toy with Four Pockets equip children with nonviolent communication skills. The storybook serves as a guide, while the plush toy is a practical tool to regulate language and emotions when solving conflicts. It's crucial for children to learn nonviolent communication early on, and the Mr. Mole set is an essential tool for parents and educators to aid in their development. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This educational toy has three parts: a storybook, cards, and a plush toy featuring Mr. Mole. Each pocket on the toy represents a nonviolence communication tactic. Children can write/draw messages on color-coded cards, insert them into the matching pocket, and use the toy for peaceful communication. The plush toy has silky fur, a towel-like arm, and straps for easy carrying. This toy teaches nonviolence communication skills in a practical and fun way. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in October 2022 and was completed in Rhode Island School of Design, U.S. in February 2023. FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The materials used in this project are fabric, PVC, woolen yarn, and paper. Several technologies were utilized in the creation of this project. These include hand-sewn stitching, the use of a sewing machine, digital drawing software, printing, and hand bookbinding techniques. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Plush: height 381mm x width 229mm Book: height 235mm x width 184mm Card: height 89mm x width 57mm TAGS: Children’s educational toy, nonviolent communication, interpersonal relationship, Conflict solving, peace RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The research focused on the toy market, educational toys, nonviolent communication, and the implementation of nonviolence communication in schools and households. The primary objective is to teach young children nonviolence communication and help them practice it in daily life. The methodology involved market research, children's psychology, and material analysis, with data collection from focus groups and user testing. Research tools include user persona and Google Scholar. CHALLENGE: Designing an educational toy for young children poses several challenges, including making abstract concepts understandable and enjoyable, considering children's developmental stages, creating an effective and user-friendly system, and ensuring each part is designed for easy operation by young children. ADDED DATE: 2023-02-28 04:43:20 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Jiahua Zhu, Mr. Mole with four pockets, 2023 Image #2: Photographer Jiahua Zhu, Mr. Mole with four pockets, 2023 Image #3: Photographer Jiahua Zhu, Mr. Mole with four pockets, 2023 Image #4: Photographer Jiahua Zhu, Mr. Mole with four pockets, 2023 Image #5: Photographer Anoushka Toronto, unknown, unknown |
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| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Mr. Mole With Four Pockets Educational Toy by Jiahua Zhu is Runner-up for A' Design Award in Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design Category, 2022 - 2023.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Jiahua Zhu. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Jiahua Zhu. |
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