Dough Toolset Inspired by Vegetables

Creating Fun and Ergonomic Dough Shapes

Most dough toolsets available in the market today are based on geometric shapes, but the Vegetable Dough Toolset takes a different approach. The designers recognized the importance of considering the ergonomics of children, ensuring that they can enjoy making dough for extended periods without getting tired. By drawing inspiration from the fruits and vegetables that children commonly eat, this toolset adds an element of familiarity and engagement to the dough-making process.

The Vegetable Dough Toolset stands out with its interesting shapes, which encourage children to interact and explore different dough shapes with enthusiasm. Each tool has been carefully designed with ergonomics in mind. For example, the eggplant rolling pin features a diameter and body curve that provides better support for children to flatten the dough effortlessly. The carrot cutter, with its round shape, is easy for kids to hold and cut dough. Additionally, the mushroom extruder allows children to observe the fascinating process of extruding dough.

When it comes to the production of the Vegetable Dough Toolset, plastic injection molding is utilized to create the toy. This manufacturing technique ensures durability and precision in the final product. The toolset comes in a package size of 35cm x 23cm x 21cm, making it convenient for storage and transportation.

The Vegetable Dough Toolset is not only a source of entertainment but also a valuable tool for developing children's hands-on skills. By engaging in the process of making dough objects, children can enhance their creativity, concentration, cognition, logic, aesthetics, and expression skills. The designers aimed to create a series of designs that utilize different vegetables and fruits, fostering a love for art and encouraging imaginative play.

Throughout the design process, the team faced the challenge of finding the right ergonomic size that would fit the hand size of most children. To overcome this obstacle, numerous models were created and tested to ensure optimal comfort and usability. The result is a toolset that not only provides cutting, pressing, and squeezing actions but also promotes a sense of artistic expression and imagination.

The Vegetable Dough Toolset project spanned from January 2019 to January 2021 and was developed in Hong Kong and Ningbo. The team behind this innovative design includes Dr. Yi-Teng Shih from PolyU Design, Mr. Vincent Mao from Ningbo MiroKids Toys Co., Ltd, Mr. Jay Li, and Ms. Gana Xu.

This exceptional design has received recognition in the form of the Bronze A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products Design category in 2021. The award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life. The Vegetable Dough Toolset truly embodies these qualities, making it a valuable addition to any child's playtime.