JONA - Joining Triangles and Squares with Hair Ties
(2026) IDEM05 20261Industrial Design
- Abstract
- This master’s thesis explores the design of a construction toy that supports developmental play for children aged seven to ten years. The project is motivated by the observation that increasing digitalization and highly stimulating environments are changing the way children play, potentially reducing opportunities for tactile, open-ended, and self-directed play experiences that contribute to healthy development.
The project was grounded in research from a case study at an elementary school, developmental psychology, pedagogy, and toy design. Theoretical perspectives on play and learning, combined with the analysis of existing construction toys, were used to identify values of developmental toys, including open-endedness, exploration,... (More) - This master’s thesis explores the design of a construction toy that supports developmental play for children aged seven to ten years. The project is motivated by the observation that increasing digitalization and highly stimulating environments are changing the way children play, potentially reducing opportunities for tactile, open-ended, and self-directed play experiences that contribute to healthy development.
The project was grounded in research from a case study at an elementary school, developmental psychology, pedagogy, and toy design. Theoretical perspectives on play and learning, combined with the analysis of existing construction toys, were used to identify values of developmental toys, including open-endedness, exploration, creativity, flexibility, and simplicity. A market analysis revealed that while these qualities are common in toys for younger children, they are less prominent in products designed for older age groups.
Based on these findings, JONA was developed, a modular construction toy consisting of triangular and square elements made from beech wood, connected with hair ties. The toy encourages children to build and create their own structures through experimentation and free play, while supporting creativity, spatial understanding and fine motor skills. The design process involved iterative prototyping, material exploration, and the development of a custom joining mechanism that balances flexibility and stability.
The concept was evaluated through a user workshop with elementary school children, where observations provided valuable insights into usability, engagement, and creative potential. The results showed that children quickly understood the system, enjoyed building with it, and created a wide range of imaginative constructions both individually and in groups.
The outcome of this thesis is a construction toy that combines open-ended play with educational value and demonstrates how industrial design can foster child development through meaningful, hands-on play experiences. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9242432
- author
- Kirsch, Tobit Joshua LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- IDEM05 20261
- year
- 2026
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Design, Toy Design, Child Development
- language
- English
- id
- 9242432
- date added to LUP
- 2026-07-01 13:13:20
- date last changed
- 2026-07-01 13:13:20
@misc{9242432,
abstract = {{This master’s thesis explores the design of a construction toy that supports developmental play for children aged seven to ten years. The project is motivated by the observation that increasing digitalization and highly stimulating environments are changing the way children play, potentially reducing opportunities for tactile, open-ended, and self-directed play experiences that contribute to healthy development.
The project was grounded in research from a case study at an elementary school, developmental psychology, pedagogy, and toy design. Theoretical perspectives on play and learning, combined with the analysis of existing construction toys, were used to identify values of developmental toys, including open-endedness, exploration, creativity, flexibility, and simplicity. A market analysis revealed that while these qualities are common in toys for younger children, they are less prominent in products designed for older age groups.
Based on these findings, JONA was developed, a modular construction toy consisting of triangular and square elements made from beech wood, connected with hair ties. The toy encourages children to build and create their own structures through experimentation and free play, while supporting creativity, spatial understanding and fine motor skills. The design process involved iterative prototyping, material exploration, and the development of a custom joining mechanism that balances flexibility and stability.
The concept was evaluated through a user workshop with elementary school children, where observations provided valuable insights into usability, engagement, and creative potential. The results showed that children quickly understood the system, enjoyed building with it, and created a wide range of imaginative constructions both individually and in groups.
The outcome of this thesis is a construction toy that combines open-ended play with educational value and demonstrates how industrial design can foster child development through meaningful, hands-on play experiences.}},
author = {{Kirsch, Tobit Joshua}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{JONA - Joining Triangles and Squares with Hair Ties}},
year = {{2026}},
}