My name is Anne, and I’m an industrial design student focusing on creating toys and games for children.
Children nowadays are deserving of a fun childhood away from screens and also the feeling of being accomplished so that they can grow up with a sense of security so that they can grow up happy and contribute to society.
Part of my struggles as a child with undiagnosed ADHD was the feeling of being unaccomplished. I sought comfort in my toys and games that allowed me to find solace in my struggles with schooling while also somewhat stimulating my brain in a fun way. I want to design for children that have the same struggles I did, so they know they aren't alone.
"Lebensfreund"
My project called Lebensfreund is the German word for “lifelong friend”. It’s a beautiful word that we don’t have in English but I find it very representative of what I wanted to make. Lebensfreund is a soft toy for school aged children in the developmental stage. I picked a bear to start with because the teddy bear is the most classic soft toy that almost everyone had. Lebensfreund is an upgraded version of the teddy bear because it can be personalised at any time and can be changed as the child grows up. The ability to change the paws and backpack toy and paint the face makes each Freundfinden unique to the person. It also includes puzzle games and fidget toys to help stimulate the brain.
"What is included"
Lebensfreund comes with a paint set to paint the face, strings and a hook to attach the bear together.
"Attachable puzzle game bags"
Part of Lebensfreund is an attachable backpack which comes with a puzzle toy. There are many options to choose from.
"Customisable through website"
Lebensfreund is customisable through a website, where the animal, the colours, the games, and the fidget toys can be chosen.
"Personalised to each child"
With all the customisable options, as well as the face being able to be painted and replaced whenever, this makes every Lebensfreund special and personalised to each child. Therefore, children can feel accomplished for what they made. This way their childhood toy can grow up with them.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
