Docklets: The Future of Toy Bricks

Revolutionizing the Building Experience with Flexibility and Ergonomics

Like millions of kids around the globe, Thade Precht, the renowned designer, was captivated by the endless possibilities of LEGO. However, he always felt that the solid nature of the LEGO connectors limited the flexibility, movements, and ergonomics of the creations. Years later, while watching his own son engrossed in playing with toy blocks, Precht had a groundbreaking idea - to create a new kind of building brick that was not only eco-friendly but also allowed for 3D assembly into various flexible and ergonomic shapes.

Introducing Docklets, a revolutionary system of building blocks that takes the concept of toy bricks to a whole new level. Designed by Thade Precht, Docklets feature hook and loop coins that enable builders to construct simple or complex three-dimensional models that were previously unimaginable with conventional toy blocks. The coins are color-coded for intuitive use and provide a certain flexibility between the blocks, allowing for the creation of ergonomic shapes and the recreation of movements. With illustrated step-by-step instructions, building your model ideas becomes child's play. Get ready to embark on a journey of imagination and creativity with Docklets!

What sets Docklets apart from other building blocks is their unique construction. Made of 100% pure poplar wood, these blocks are not only durable but also eco-friendly. The hook and loop coins, made of polyamide and hot-melt adhesive, ensure a secure connection between the blocks while maintaining the desired flexibility. Docklets come in various shapes and sizes, all compatible with each other, providing endless possibilities for builders of all ages.

The technical specifications of Docklets are impressive. The standard sets range in size from 150 x 120 x 80 mm up to 450 x 400 x 200 mm, with packaging sizes of width 313 mm x height 313 mm x depth 65 mm. The maxi set, on the other hand, boasts a packaging size of width 355 mm x height 230 x depth 358 mm. The standard sets contain 40-50 Docklets pieces, while the maxi set includes a whopping 160 pieces. Each standard set offers 3-4 model ideas, while the maxi set provides an astonishing 20 model ideas. With Docklets, the possibilities are truly limitless.

Thade Precht and his team faced numerous challenges in the design and production of Docklets. They had to ensure that all parts of all sets were fully intermateable and easy to manufacture, while also providing a LEGO-like free play experience. Forward planning regarding follow-up sets was crucial to maintain consistency and expandability. The manufacturing process posed its own difficulties, particularly in finding the right balance between the sizes of the bricks and the sizes/adhesion of the hook and loop coins. Ultimately, an individual hot-melt glue had to be specially fabricated for Docklets, ensuring the perfect combination of flexibility and stability.

The journey of Docklets began in October 2014 in Berlin, Germany. After extensive online research and exploration of real-life products in toy stores and fairs, Thade Precht and his team tested around 10 different products, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. Their goal was to provide children with an intuitive and playful building experience that would be reminiscent of LEGO but with a unique twist.

Since its first public presentation at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in January 2016, Docklets has garnered attention and praise from both children and adults alike. In August 2016, the first four standard sets were launched, followed by the introduction of three new products - Docklets robots set, Docklets horses set, and Docklets maxi set - at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2017. These exciting new sets will be available in stores by August 2017, allowing even more builders to experience the joy and creativity of Docklets.

With its innovative design, Docklets has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2017. This award recognizes the well-designed, practical, and innovative nature of the product, meeting professional and industrial requirements. Docklets have proven to integrate industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, ultimately contributing to a better world.

Step into the world of Docklets and unleash your imagination. Whether you're a child or an adult, these revolutionary building blocks will inspire creativity, promote free play, and bring joy to your life. Get ready to build, create, and explore with Docklets - the future of toy bricks.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Thade Precht
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Ekkehard Nitschke, Docklets Set 58040, 2016. Image #2: Photographer Ekkehard Nitschke, Docklets Set 58050, 2016. Image #3: Photographer Ekkehard Nitschke, Docklets Set 58200, 2016. Image #4: Photographer Ekkehard Nitschke, kids with Docklets Set 58040, 2016. Image #5: Photographer Ekkehard Nitschke, kids with Docklets Set 58050, 2016.
Project Team Members: Ideation, conception, design, model making: Thade Precht. Project management: Juergen Exner. Photographer: Ekkehard Nitschke.
Project Name: Docklets
Project Client: Thade Precht


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