Blocs Intummy: An Educational Learning Toy Promoting Food Awareness

Introducing a Unique Design Concept by Nien Tzu, Yu Ling, Wei Jia, and Chia Yi

Blocs Intummy is an innovative educational learning toy that aims to raise awareness about hunger and promote food sharing among preschool children. Designed by Nien Tzu, Yu Ling, Wei Jia, and Chia Yi, this unique toy set conveys the concept that everyone should have access to safe and adequate food, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of zero hunger.

The main objective of Blocs Intummy is to educate young children about the issue of hunger and encourage them to share their resources. By playing with this set of educational toys, children can develop a deeper understanding of food shortage and the importance of balanced nutrition. The toy set consists of dolls with empty stomachs and geometrical food blocks that can be shared among children to fill the dolls' tummies.

Guided by an engaging illustration storybook, children learn the values of food sharing and cherishing. Through observation and assembly, they gain knowledge about different types of food and the significance of a balanced diet. This interactive learning experience fosters empathy and encourages children to take action in combating hunger.

The design team behind Blocs Intummy utilized natural materials such as wood and cotton fabric, ensuring the toy set is safe and eco-friendly. The production process involves meticulous hand-sewing and hand-cutting techniques, resulting in a high-quality and durable product. The surface of the toys is coated with natural wood wax oil, adding a touch of elegance to the design.

With dimensions of Height 270mm x Width 190mm x Thickness 65mm, each doll in the Blocs Intummy set is carefully crafted to provide a comfortable and engaging play experience for children.

This project was realized at Tainan University of Technology by a team of talented designers, including Nien Tzu, Yu Ling, Wei Jia, and Chia Yi. Under the guidance of instructor ChungSheng Chen, they successfully transformed abstract concepts into a practical and educational design.

Blocs Intummy made its debut at the Young Designer Exhibition (Yodex) in June 2022, held at the Taipei World Trade Center NanGang Exhibition Hall. This thought-provoking toy set has garnered attention for its innovative approach to early childhood education and its contribution to addressing the issue of hunger.

The design process for Blocs Intummy involved extensive research in early childhood education, cognitive psychology, and heuristic education. The team analyzed toy market trends, children's cognitive development, and toy safety regulations to create a well-rounded and effective educational tool. Utilizing tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, they crafted a visually appealing and engaging set of toys.

Overcoming creative, technical, and research challenges, the design team successfully integrated profound issues into the language of design. By collaborating with experts in early childhood education, they ensured that the toy set aligns with pre-primary education goals and safety standards, making it a valuable addition to the market.

Blocs Intummy has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges the practicality, innovation, and professional standards of the design, contributing to a better world through its positive impact.

With Blocs Intummy, Nien Tzu, Yu Ling, Wei Jia, and Chia Yi have created a remarkable educational toy that not only entertains but also instills important values in young children. By fostering awareness of hunger and promoting sharing, this toy set plays a vital role in shaping a more compassionate and empathetic generation.