Description:

Research and stakeholder feedback from within the market showed that parents and caregivers want quality products that will grow with their children. They want to break the chain of purchasing expensive toys with a fast turnaround. Rockertot offers endless creative fun for pre-schoolers and encourages imaginative play. Rockertot is a multi-functional, quality toy intended to grow with its little users, establishing itself as a family heirloom.

The multi-functional aspect of Rockertot describes four intended functions (a rocking seat, a table and seat, a chalk table and a chalkboard) but also allows kids to take charge and encounter opportunities only limited by their imagination. For example, during the testing phase, kids turned their Rockertot into a tunnel, climbing frame, push toy and race track.

Designed and prototyped during the Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Design (Product) second-year programme, this was a response to a brief focusing on a human-centred design process. Rockertot was realised with support and input from family and friends to establish the balance between safety, function and play. Periods of user testing from children of different ages encouraged the evaluation and refinement of Rockertot. This testing accounts for the high consideration to durability, accurate ergonomics, safety and versatility within each function. It was essential to get this right to gain both the user's and caregiver's trust.

This design process had and continues to have high consideration for sustainability. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a guide for making process development decisions helped implement considerations for the disassembly, durability, dematerialisation, use, and reuse of Rockertot. Keeping the UN Sustainability Goals central helped create a product that is high quality and breaks the obsolescence chain.

This project builds on the increasing opportunities to support New Zealand made products. Designing for the CNC machining process allows for accessible manufacturing and accuracy, and a tried and tested slot assembly increases safety and decreases labour time. Rockertot has now become a personal venture in which I have enjoyed working alongside small local businesses.