Kilter
Senior Thesis
Unstructured Play
Unstructured play is disappearing because of modern emphasis on education and technology. Since play is a key ingredient in my design process, my senior thesis explored a means to promote free play in our modern lifestyle.
Creative Play
Open play is a key part of childhood as it promotes healthy cognitive, social, and physical development. I began my process by creating open-ended toys to see how they were used and what effect they had on children and adults.
“The more a toy can do,
the less a child does.”
William Dietz
Child’s Play
Turning to the experts, I sought to understand the value and requirements of unstructured play. I realized that children have no shortage of toys and that I should focus on transforming environments into playscapes.
 Backyard Barrels |  Tower Defence |  Road Runner |
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 Nighttime Explorers |  Luncheon Roulette |
The Pillow Fort
Blocks teach children truths about the physical world and encourage them to actively use their imagination. After countless iterations I descovered a unique block idea inspired by pillow forts.
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Kilter
At multiple design shows, children played in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The sturdy and soft blocks promote spontaneous unstructured play. Used as furniture, the blocks combine with other forms of modern play and, unlike most toys, never have to be put away.
