Homies is a play set that fits into the home making usable and playful previously unused corners and spaces, the set "hacks" furniture. Playfulness, sharing and safety for children from 0 to 3 years old!
With the pandemic, the domestic space underwent a transformation, becoming at once a place of work, rest and recreation. Research showed that parents and children have different needs of fruition in the same places and there is a strong attraction of children to play with everyday objects.
The child, whose first learning is tactile, has a strong tendency to interact with the furniture and domestic spaces around him, every corner is a possible play space.
The parent in the home has its own needs for functionality but also of safety and control of little ones, so it is often necessary to circumscribe play areas or to use playpens.
From the research came the idea of a play set that would make the home playable and safe for the child, allowing play alongside the parent.
The game was then developed into 3 pieces for three different areas of the house. Each piece is added to the furniture in an easy and reversible way without damaging the surfaces.
Homies Table makes the space under each table a habitat of colors and shapes, fitting with a convenient adjustable Velcro strap. Installation time: 30 seconds. Pendants have different shapes and textures for the child's tactile development.
The sofa becomes a play set for creating and inventing. Made of fabric waterproof and rollable with a magnetic grid inside. Magnetic pawns to match for ever-new combinations, stimulate eye-hand coordination and imagination.
Homies Wall transforms walls into a sound habitat with the three panels that can be applied with secure adhesive film. Sound features are generated mechanically by the rotation ortouch of the knobs. They help cause-and-effect learning and coordination.
One of the most satisfying aspects of the project was having it tested by the users, here very young! Seeing them enjoy and implement the functions of the game, made all the difference.
We are honored that Homies was a finalist project at DESIGN-4PARENTS 2021 by TATA and selected project at FUORISALONE 2020 DESIGNXDESIGNERS.
Team: C. De Amicis, G. Mammoliti, A. Priori.
