Knot-Pod
by Katrea Tuck
Front side of the Knot-Pod.
Project Description
Knot-Pod is a sling-back grab-bag designed to be worn by children who desire a sense of normalcy and are in need of emergency support in disaster-stricken areas. It is targeted towards those in child-friendly spaces as provided by the humanitarian organisation Save the Children, in collaboration with Moose Toys. This product aims to improve children's agency and resilience in disaster-stricken areas through rope-tying as an open-ended play activity.
The MOLLE-inspired system has rows of rope tied onto its backside, forming attachment points for accessories and personal belongings which can be easily tied to them using any type of cord. Rope-tying as an open-ended play activity is encouraged as a learnt skill for attaching belongings to these straps and making unique rope-tying trinkets. Soft foam cushioning for the back is sewn in three columns to provide comfort when worn and to prevent internal stored items from protruding. In its centre is a shallow concave indent, intended for head placement so Knot-Pod's main body can protect the user above their head — specifically responding to falling debris during earthquake scenarios. Handles on the back of the main body are to be used for better balance when the bag is on top of the head. They are placed there to avoid the hands being positioned on top of the main body where falling debris would make contact and cause physical harm.
Back side of the Knot-Pod.
Knot-Pod being worn over the shoulder.
Knot-Pod's head protector function.
Bio
My name is Katrea Tuck. I'm a graduate of Product Design who enjoys combining problem-solving with imaginative curiosity. My works indulge in unexpected associations to promote unconventional ideas and the playful nature of experimentation. I enjoy the observational aspect of user-centred design, as I am inspired by behaviours and how people move and interact. Specifically, I'm most passionate about bringing tangible form and usability to fictional objects through prop-making and art-making. I'm also seeking to explore biodesign as an approach to learning how to design for more-than-human worlds. As a believer in lifelong learning for growing my design skill set and practice, I strive to contribute my creative thinking to industrial design projects.
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