Creaon: A Sustainable and Imaginative Toy for Children

Combining Creativity and Sustainability in Play

Creaon is a unique toy that focuses on the creative, open-ended construction, and imagination needs of children aged 1 to 6. Designed by Menglin Tian, Creaon combines crayons with building blocks to provide a multifunctional and sustainable play experience. When children draw with Creaon, they create different roofs that can become unique building blocks, allowing them to play imaginary games and construct various structures. This innovative design ensures that toys can fulfill multiple missions during a certain period of need, can still be played with even if damaged, and are more environmentally friendly when they reach the end of their lifecycle.

One of the key features of Creaon is its material. Made from soy wax, this toy is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic toys. Soy wax is more environmentally friendly and can be easily repaired or repurposed, unlike plastic toys that are often discarded once broken. Additionally, Creaon can be mass-produced just like plastic toys, making it a viable and scalable solution for sustainable play.

Children can interact with Creaon in various ways. They can use it as regular crayons to draw pictures and create different roofs for the Creaon cubes. By combining their drawings with these small house-like Creaon cubes, children can engage in pretend games and unleash their imagination. Creaon can also be used as a balance block for building games, further enhancing its versatility and play value.

The Creaon project started in November 2021 and was completed in January 2022 in London. It was exhibited in the online Work in Progress 2022 show in January 2022. The design process involved extensive research on the intersection of versatile toys and environmentally friendly materials. Menglin Tian aimed to create a toy that would last longer and generate less waste, meeting the needs of children while promoting sustainability.

Creaon has received recognition for its innovative and sustainable design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Baby, Kids, and Children's Products category in 2022. This award acknowledges well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Creaon's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and positive impact on the environment contribute to a better world.

With Creaon, Menglin Tian has successfully combined creativity, sustainability, and playfulness in a toy that not only engages children but also promotes a more sustainable future. By reimagining the lifespan of toys and utilizing environmentally friendly materials, Creaon sets a new standard for sustainable play.