Klik Brik: The Reconfigurable Toy Revolutionizing Furniture and Play

A Sustainable and Endlessly Configurable Design by Paolo Tiramani

The inspiration for Klik Brik came from the desire to provide parents with a sustainable solution for their children's toys. Tiramani wanted to create a design that would eliminate the need to throw away toys once they are outgrown. The Briks, which mimic smaller building systems for little toys, are functionally different and scaled for humans. Best of all, they are planned-obsolescence free, making them effectively "future-proof" designs.

What sets Klik Brik apart from other designs is its reconfigurability. By approaching the design of furniture, storage, toys, and ride-ons in this way, sustainability, cost-saving, and greater customer involvement are achieved. The product is made from recyclable materials, specifically old soda pop bottles, further reducing its environmental impact.

Although the visual appeal and effectiveness of the design are easily grasped, the underlying technology that allows Klik Brik to be manufactured, shipped, and merchandised with remarkable efficiency is not readily apparent. The product ships only 10% of its assembled volume and can be assembled without any tools in just 10 seconds. Additionally, part costs are reduced by 60% compared to typical construction methods.

With dimensions of 35x35x36cm each, Klik Brik compresses down to just 10% of its expanded volume, making it highly efficient for shipping and storage. The product is manufactured from recycled soda pop bottles, with no other materials used to ensure easy recycling.

Klik Briks are completely intuitive, drawing on users' childhood memories of small brick toys. Assembly is done using a simple smiley choke-proof "key," enabling endless combinations without wear and tear. The design also underwent extensive research to ensure optimal seat and desk heights for children of varying ages and adults, as well as durability, strength, and safety testing.

Creating plastic furniture posed challenges in terms of strength and perceived quality. Additionally, the team needed to find a way to convey the reconfigurable message instantly and without instruction. The Eureka moment came when studying legendary children's block toys that have endured for many generations. The iconic imagery of the Briks resolved both issues of perceived quality and play value.

Klik Brik occupies a unique space, crossing into furniture, toys, and ride-ons. Its configurability and reconfigurability provide tremendous play value while promoting sustainability through the reuse of the same Briks in different products. Made from old soda bottles, Klik Brik compresses to just 10% of its volume, saving on shipping costs and merchandising space.

The innovative design of Klik Brik has been recognized with the prestigious A' Design Award. This award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Klik Brik's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world have earned it the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2015.