Thesis

 Clink Linkers is a pop up play structure for children between the ages of 8 to 11. The structure represents the brainstorming step in the design process, by creating a cluster of pool noodles that can be connected and moved to create web of ideas.

Eliot feedback session/visit

We visited the Eliot school in Boston to present the structures the earlier studio worked and made. The kids shared their views and opinions on things and gave ideas on other elements that could be included in out playgrounds.

• Zip lines & Swings
• Interactive Play
• Creativity
• Inventing games
• Room to run around
• Safety

• Pool Noodle movements
• Unique/ individualized play
• Color coding
• Scale
• Padding and structure

Key Points

Precedents

Technical:

Conceptual:

UX:

Our design was based off these 3 precedents. We wanted the structure of our design to include hanging pool noodles and conceptually wanted the kids to use it in multiple different play aspects that included sitting, swinging and climbing.

Sketch collage

Initial Prototypes

Brainstorming

Collaboration

Iteration

NuVu Process

Playspace

Final structure

Structural Design

Experience Design

Structural Design

Models and Drawings

Initial Prototypes

The prototypes made here was our original idea used as the base of the structure that held up the pool noodles. The purpose of the hexagon shape was so the kids could swing around with the pool noodles from one side to another.

Materials used: pool noodles, wood, string and poles from inside the pool noodle.

Experimentation of Swings

Initial Prototype Testing

Structure Building process

Structure Building

CUT PVC LENGTHS

CUT DOWN 2 BY3 4 / CUT OUT STOPPERS

TIE TO TOP

CUT AND PREPARE PARACORD

CUT DOWN POOL NOODLE

Experience Design

3D Model

Initial Prototype

Final 1/6th scale model:

Thank you!

Next steps

• Rigidify the structure
• Obtain user feedback
• Think about other ways that the noodles could move connect and combine
• Optimize documentation and design to work better with our user and target goals
• Make final structure

Original NuVu Climbing Wall

A multi person climbing wall which the users navigate by hanging from pegs which they drag through a maze, in tandem with a climbing partner holding the same pegs from the other side of the wall.

Kids Critique:

• Didn't like the NuVu sign
• Not enough color
• The climbing wall looks unsafe

Kids improvement:

• Trampoline under climbing wall
• Incorporated into a full playground
• More to do with the wall than just climb

Eliot Feedback

Inside of structure

A child tries to climb the wall

Their parent helps the child climb the wall by pushing out the holds

Child gets to the top of the wall

Child slides down the back of the wall

Brochure Handouts

1:6 Model Photos

1:1 Prototype photos

Thank you + next steps

Next Steps:

-Build a True 1:1 Scale Model

-Detailed testing of the holds & safety considerations

-Review & incorporate feedback from upcoming Eliot School Visit

Thesis

 Clink Linkers is a pop up play structure for children between the ages of 8 to 11. The structure represents the brainstorming step in the design process, by creating a cluster of pool noodles that can be connected and moved to create web of ideas.

Eliot feedback session/visit

We visited the Eliot school in Boston to present the structures the earlier studio worked and made. The kids shared their views and opinions on things and gave ideas on other elements that could be included in out playgrounds.

• Zip lines & Swings
• Interactive Play
• Creativity
• Inventing games
• Room to run around
• Safety

• Pool Noodle movements
• Unique/ individualized play
• Color coding
• Scale
• Padding and structure

Key Points

Precedents

Technical:

Conceptual:

UX:

Our design was based off these 3 precedents. We wanted the structure of our design to include hanging pool noodles and conceptually wanted the kids to use it in multiple different play aspects that included sitting, swinging and climbing.

Sketch collage

Initial Prototypes

Brainstorming

Collaboration

Iteration

NuVu Process

Playspace

Final structure

Structural Design

Experience Design

Structural Design

Models and Drawings

Initial Prototypes

The prototypes made here was our original idea used as the base of the structure that held up the pool noodles. The purpose of the hexagon shape was so the kids could swing around with the pool noodles from one side to another.

Materials used: pool noodles, wood, string and poles from inside the pool noodle.

Experimentation of Swings

Initial Prototype Testing

Structure Building process

Structure Building

CUT PVC LENGTHS

CUT DOWN 2 BY3 4 / CUT OUT STOPPERS

TIE TO TOP

CUT AND PREPARE PARACORD

CUT DOWN POOL NOODLE

Experience Design

3D Model

Initial Prototype

Final 1/6th scale model:

Thank you!

Next steps

• Rigidify the structure
• Obtain user feedback
• Think about other ways that the noodles could move connect and combine
• Optimize documentation and design to work better with our user and target goals
• Make final structure

Session 1 Recap

In session one, Gabe, Jade, and Andrew worked on Link Lab. Link Lab is a simple block building system made to inspire and teach children more about engineering, prototyping, and iteration.

The scale of this project wasn't finalized, but at this point, it was more of a toy then playground equipment. For this reason, we decided to pivot ideas.

Takeaways:

• The kids wanted blocks to be larger
• Kids liked connecting the blocks and making structures

Precedents

Conceptual Precedent:

Connected Worlds Installation

Game:

K'Nex

Function Precedent:

Water Tubes Toy

Interaction Diagram

Lo-fi Prototype

Final Design

Peristaltic Pump

STRAIGHT AWAY

90 TURN

Tube-based designs

Water Wheel

Orthographic Views

7.5'

7.5'

2"

2"

3"

Thank you!

Original NuVu Climbing Wall

A multi person climbing wall which the users navigate by hanging from pegs which they drag through a maze, in tandem with a climbing partner holding the same pegs from the other side of the wall.

Kids Critique:

• Didn't like the NuVu sign
• Not enough color
• The climbing wall looks unsafe

Kids improvement:

• Trampoline under climbing wall
• Encorporated into a full playground
• More to do with the wall than just climb

Precedents

GoPlex Climbing Wall:

Colorful and Attractive Design

Flat Pack

Easy Assembly

Form

Wynwood Walls:

Anyone Can Contribute

Super Colorful

Art Everywhere

Experience

Function

Climbing Tower:

Meant for climbing

Is outdoors and free-standing

Sketches

prototypes

Next Steps

UX

SD

Solidify Design Language:

-What colors do we want to use?

-What is our shape language

-Do we want to guide the users interaction?

Work with the rest of the groups to get a consistent design language

High(er)-Fi prototyping:

-Consistant scale

-Nicer Materials

-Structural Model

Mechanical Design:

-How are we going to make the hand holds move?

Front

Side

A multi person climbing wall which the users navigate by hanging from pegs which they drag through a maze, in tandem with a climbing partner holding the same pegs from the other side of the wall.

Ladder

Logo

Handles

5' Person

Handles Channel

Wooden Supports

up close of handle??

Orthographic

9'

6'

9'

11'

Use Diagram

Front

Side

THANK YOU!!!!

While many tools like Lego Mindstorm exist to enable kids to create robots and bring their creations to life these tools are still somewhat complex for younger age groups. Link Lab allows young children to use their imagination and discover robotics. It removes all programing from the process, using simple mechanical input to control the electrical components. While most technical skills are simplified, this project will still allow kids to both think in 3d and consider movement in while building.

While many tools like Lego Mindstorm exist to enable kids to create robots and bring their creations to life these tools are still somewhat complex for younger age groups. Link Lab allows young children to use their imagination and discover robotics. It removes all programing from the process, using simple mechanical input to control the electrical components. While most technical skills are simplified, this project will still allow kids to both think in 3d and consider movement in while building.

Project goals

Gabe

What we Learned From Eliot

The Eliot workshop gave us great insights into what play is for kids this age.

• The kids spend all day receiving instructions. Play is their time to actually make their own rules and push their own limits.

• The kids like creating structures, vehicles and characters.

• Kids personified their creations

Andrew

Artifacts of Play

Hidden Messages

Shape Connections

Gabe,Jade,Andrew

Constructive Communication

Brainstorming

Create

Jade

How does this represent NuVu

Similar Projects

DexiBlocks

Snap Circuits

Mindstorms EV3

 Lego Mindstorms helps kids learn robotics, engineering, and coding, unfortunately it is focused towards a middle schooler age bracket.

Created by Will and Teo this was a project that also used a block building system to solve a problem. 

Snap Circuits encourages young children to create circuits in a very simple way.

Gabe,jade,andrew

First Ideas

Gabe,jade

Initial Prototypes

Version 1

Version 2

Version 3

Andrew,Jade

Jade

Jade

Andew

Andrew

Gabe

Next Steps

• We need to refine connector tolerances so the blocks don't fall out on their own.

• Play testing would be very helpful determining the scale and whether the blocks should be electronic or purely mechanical.

• We need to determine if we will be keeping the wood style or moving to 3d printed cubes.

Gabe,jade, andrew

Eliot School Playtest

Eliot School Workshop

• Children are told what to do all day, they don't want that when they go to play and have fun
• The more customizable the better
• Kids will find the most fun way to play with something, even if its not the intended way
• Height is fun

Concept Statement

Clink Linker, a super modular play structure where everything can change. Designed for kids to enjoy best heights in whichever medium they prefer. Poles sprout from the ground above floors, bungee cords can connect the poles and allow surfaces to climb on. Clink Linkers is made with ground tiles that can be stacked upon each other and poles that can be made as tall as you want, with so much customization you can never get bored.

Inspiration

Children's natural urges to climb

MODU Blocks

Madrid hospital

Full scale joint

PVC Pipe

Eyelet

Hook and bungie cable

Stopper

Next Steps

• Finalize materials
• Playtesting of form factor/shaping
• Full scale prototype of wedges
• Add appropriate coloring

Thank You