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Project posted by Kirti Rathore

Sticks and Dots

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Location
Finland
Style
Scandinavian
After Ame had spent 15 minutes with the design, we placed some beams and boards to observe his reaction. As he approached the beams, he picked up one and began carefully examining the holes. It was truly fascinating to witness a 1.5-year-old child analyzing something so attentively. He rotated the beam twice, closely observing the holes.
After Ame had spent 15 minutes with the design, we placed some beams and boards to observe his reaction. As he approached the beams, he picked up one and began carefully examining the holes. It was truly fascinating to witness a 1.5-year-old child analyzing something so attentively. He rotated the beam twice, closely observing the holes.
After conducting a comprehensive inspection, our curiosity piqued as we anticipated his next course of action. With a thoughtful gaze fixed upon the structure, he proceeded to approach it.
After conducting a comprehensive inspection, our curiosity piqued as we anticipated his next course of action. With a thoughtful gaze fixed upon the structure, he proceeded to approach it.
He attempted to align the beam with the hole in the pin, searching for a suitable position where it would fit. With similar components right before his eyes, he sought to find the right spot. However, despite his efforts, he couldn’t succeed. This demonstrates his remarkable awareness, even at such a young age, of the similarities between objects and their potential arrangement in a specific way.
He attempted to align the beam with the hole in the pin, searching for a suitable position where it would fit. With similar components right before his eyes, he sought to find the right spot. However, despite his efforts, he couldn’t succeed. This demonstrates his remarkable awareness, even at such a young age, of the similarities between objects and their potential arrangement in a specific way.
Despite a failed attempt, he persisted in his exploration. He approached with beams in his hands and diligently tried to fit them through the holes on the surface. It was then that I expressed my apologies, telling him that I wish I could have made larger holes on the board for him..
Despite a failed attempt, he persisted in his exploration. He approached with beams in his hands and diligently tried to fit them through the holes on the surface. It was then that I expressed my apologies, telling him that I wish I could have made larger holes on the board for him..
We were quite surprised when Ame, a 1.5-year-old, managed to climb to that height. Ame’s climbing caught us off guard. He cleverly utilized the board for support and utilized his body weight to ascend, placing one leg on what was intended to be a stretcher for the chair. It was fascinating to observe that he didn’t choose the easier climbing options but instead sought out higher places. Throughout this experience, we witnessed Ame confidently climbing various elevated surfaces. Later, we discovered that he had climbed that height with the purpose of placing accessories on top of the post. Throughout the photoshoot, we noticed Ame engaging with the accessories, carefully arranging them on pins, stacking them atop one another, and even putting them over the head of the posts.
We were quite surprised when Ame, a 1.5-year-old, managed to climb to that height. Ame’s climbing caught us off guard. He cleverly utilized the board for support and utilized his body weight to ascend, placing one leg on what was intended to be a stretcher for the chair. It was fascinating to observe that he didn’t choose the easier climbing options but instead sought out higher places. Throughout this experience, we witnessed Ame confidently climbing various elevated surfaces. Later, we discovered that he had climbed that height with the purpose of placing accessories on top of the post. Throughout the photoshoot, we noticed Ame engaging with the accessories, carefully arranging them on pins, stacking them atop one another, and even putting them over the head of the posts.
Zachari and Phoenix’s play Zachari (3 years old) and Phoenix (5 years old) are brothers who joined us recently. Unlike Ame, they were very quick to engage with the structure. As an observer, the differences in their personalities were easily noticeable, as well as how the kids of three different ages interacted with the furniture, which was interesting to observe. Phoenix, the eldest, was fearless and quick to climb and sit on top. He began to play with the accessories and beams to see how he could fit elements into holes, experimenting and constructing. Zachari, on the other hand, was a bit scared to climb, so he started looking at each element individually and played with them. For a while, the beam served as a sword for him, but later he began exploring the spaces and niches within the system. Their play revealed different facets of their personalities and intelligences.
Zachari and Phoenix’s play Zachari (3 years old) and Phoenix (5 years old) are brothers who joined us recently. Unlike Ame, they were very quick to engage with the structure. As an observer, the differences in their personalities were easily noticeable, as well as how the kids of three different ages interacted with the furniture, which was interesting to observe. Phoenix, the eldest, was fearless and quick to climb and sit on top. He began to play with the accessories and beams to see how he could fit elements into holes, experimenting and constructing. Zachari, on the other hand, was a bit scared to climb, so he started looking at each element individually and played with them. For a while, the beam served as a sword for him, but later he began exploring the spaces and niches within the system. Their play revealed different facets of their personalities and intelligences.
Zachari and Phoenix’s play
Zachari and Phoenix’s play
Phoenix, after becoming well acquainted with each element, began exploring how he could play with it. He started putting posts in, one after the other, through the holes. The possibility that I had not thought of, but knew could arise with the provision of infinite opportunities for assemblies through these holes, was one of them. This was gold, as it was exactly what I had imagined the holes provided: opportunities for kids to create their own worlds, which are a reflection of themselves. All of this clearly showcased Phoenix’s way of thinking and his kinesthetic intrigue.
Phoenix, after becoming well acquainted with each element, began exploring how he could play with it. He started putting posts in, one after the other, through the holes. The possibility that I had not thought of, but knew could arise with the provision of infinite opportunities for assemblies through these holes, was one of them. This was gold, as it was exactly what I had imagined the holes provided: opportunities for kids to create their own worlds, which are a reflection of themselves. All of this clearly showcased Phoenix’s way of thinking and his kinesthetic intrigue.
One more interesting thing to note was the camaraderie between the two brothers. Zachari helped Phoenix throughout his pursuit of building something, which involved a lot of communication, reflecting, and encouraging linguistic intelligence. It also demonstrated the potential for interpersonal intelligence to develop through play, making it a medium for fostering this intelligence for those who possess it.
One more interesting thing to note was the camaraderie between the two brothers. Zachari helped Phoenix throughout his pursuit of building something, which involved a lot of communication, reflecting, and encouraging linguistic intelligence. It also demonstrated the potential for interpersonal intelligence to develop through play, making it a medium for fostering this intelligence for those who possess it.
A chair composition
A chair composition
The small chair, when paired with the larger one, can also serve as a versatile table.
The small chair, when paired with the larger one, can also serve as a versatile table.
The shelf composition, could be used as a partition wall
The shelf composition, could be used as a partition wall

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From Kirti Rathore

STICKS AND DOTS

An innovative modular furniture that helps in identifying and fostering innate potential of kids.


Why “Sticks and Dots” Was Born?

The genesis of “Sticks and Dots” lies in a profound pursuit: to unlock the innate potential of children and transcend the conventional roles of furniture within the learning environment. By doing so, it aspires to bolster the individuality of each child and nurture its future development. Despite the ever-evolving landscape of pedagogical theories, the field of furniture design has remained largely stagnant as an artifact within the educational landscape, prompting a much-needed reevaluation. The result of this innovative endeavor is “Sticks and Dots,” a groundbreaking approach to learning and play—an evolution akin to the birth of a new Lego system.


Questioning the idea of intelligence

Before you understand the idea behind Stick and Dots, you should ask yourself the meaning of intelligence and whom do you consider intelligent. Does Pablo Picasso, Ronaldo, Michael Jackson join the list of intelligent people in your opinion?
If not, then it is because of the limited understanding of word intelligence the society has fed us. Sticks and Dots began by exploring the idea of innate potential and unearthing the true essence of intelligence.

At the heart of “Sticks and Dots” lies the profound wisdom of eminent psychologist Howard Gardner, who introduced us to the concept of multiple intelligences. Gardner’s theory challenges our conventional understanding of intelligence, unveiling the intricate tapestry of human potential. He posits that there are nine distinct intelligences within us all, each varying in degrees. By identifying and nurturing these intelligences, we can not only enhance an individual’s daily life but also shape their long-term career prospects.

The Intelligences: A Guiding Light

The nine intelligences include logical, kinesthetic, linguistic, naturalist, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, spatial, and existential intelligence. “Sticks and Dots” is strategically designed to cater primarily to children with kinesthetic intelligence, yet its adaptability ensures it can accommodate and nurture other intelligences.

How does Sticks and dots achieve this vision of identifying innate potential?

At a macroscopic level, “Sticks and Dots” is a building system that immediately captivates children with kinesthetic intelligence. It empowers them to construct, deconstruct, and weave their dreams into tangible creations. Zooming in, one discovers a world of intricate details—holes thoughtfully placed throughout the system. These holes serve as gateways to imagination, inviting children to explore boundless possibilities through pins, accessories, and artistic expression. Each interaction with “Sticks and Dots” reveals a unique facet of a child’s personality, providing a glimpse into the depths of their intelligence

As “Sticks and Dots” transforms into castle, play toy, shelves, partition walls, and more, it assumes a profound role within the educational setting. It becomes a mirror, reflecting the true essence of education—self-understanding. In the words of Swami Vivekananda, “To understand life is to understand ourselves, that is both the beginning and the end of education’’.

“Sticks and Dots” embodies this philosophy, inviting children to discover, explore, and, in the process, reveal their true selves—an ultimate goal of education.

What is Sticks and Dots?

Sticks and Dots is an easy-to-assemble building system crafted with primitive joineries, eliminating the need for screws or tools. It is intricately crafted keeping the cognitive and physical abilities of 3 - 4 year olds in mind to help identify their innate potential and help foster individuality. The simple design however surpassed this age barrier to become a product for all from age of 1 and beyond. This versatile modular furniture, akin to the creativity of Lego blocks, excels in its ability to transform into objects of play and utility. Sticks and Dots is a composition of wooden elements with holes, including sticks, boards, and accessories.

A Gateway to Imagination

In the hands of a child, this design becomes a bridge to uncharted territories. It’s an open invitation to explore, to create, to build not just castles and toys, but also bonds and memories that last a lifetime. When those little fingers grasp the sticks and dots, they hold the keys to a world where a plaything can be transformed into a castle, a shelf, a chair, a table, or a fortress of dreams.

The Beauty of Simplicity and Independence

At its core, “Sticks and Dots” reverberates with the beauty of simplicity. The use of cylindrical volumes, the integration of posts, beams, and pins, and the inclusion of sturdy boards as both structural elements and canvases for imagination underscore a design philosophy rooted in aesthetics, functionality, and ingenuity. More than a mere plaything, “Sticks and Dots” empowers children to become architects of their own imaginative journeys, fostering independence and creativity. The presence of holes serves as subtle encouragements, inspiring children to discover, experiment, and learn while navigating their creative endeavors.

Design beyond age

Originally conceived with a focus on the youngest minds, “Sticks and Dots” transcends age limitations, emerging as a timeless product that captivates individuals of all ages. This modular furniture system mirrors the versatility of Lego blocks, designed to effortlessly transform into an array of play objects and functional pieces. As a flat-pack modular furniture system, it seamlessly adapts to various forms and functions. In the event of wear and tear, individual components can be effortlessly replaced, ensuring an enduring journey of play and exploration. This is not merely furniture; it’s a lifelong companion that matures with its owner, adjusting to new perspectives, skills, and choices as individuals progress from the innocence of childhood to the wisdom of adulthood. It is a narrative that continuously unfolds, celebrating the boundless creativity residing within every soul.

In “Sticks and Dots,” the designer aspires to give life to more than just furniture. It’s an attempt to unleash dreams, potential, and the promise of a brighter future. It’s a design that evolves with time, transcending generations, and leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of human creativity and growth.


Welcome to the world of “Sticks and Dots,” where imagination knows no bounds, and every dot holds a universe of possibilities.