The palette shape encourages artistic expression, while providing ample workspace.

Description

Plywood activity table created for children and young budding artists.

Overview

Children love to express their creativity. Coloring outside the lines was a favorite kindergarten pastime. Most children’s furniture lacks this type of free spirit. Today’s children need something to inspire them beyond the ubiquitous rectangle.

This art activity table was a concept aimed at solving this dilemma. The research began with gathering anthropometric data on the target audience. Upon charting the data, I discovered the sweeping motion of a child’s arm provided an ideal shape for the table. This was refined into an aesthetic feature, in the form of an artist’s palette.

The palette shape suggested the application and provided ample workspace. To avoid common spills, I suspended the activity bins at table level. For testing, I created a full-scale MDF mock-up that I took to a day care. The final concept would be made of birch plywood, making it both an attractive and economical alternative to the typical desk.

The children enjoyed the funky shape and the extra space it provided.

The activity bins were mounted at table-level to prevent accidental spills.

The shape was designed around ergonomic data for the average eight-year old.