Docklets: A New System of Building Bricks for Creative Minds

Revolutionizing the Toy Block Industry with Flexibility and Ergonomics

Like millions of kids around the globe, Thade Precht, the mastermind behind Docklets, loved playing with LEGO when he was little. However, he always felt limited by the solid nature of the LEGO connectors. Years later, while watching his son absorbed 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 flexible and ergonomic designs.

Docklets is a revolutionary system of building blocks that takes creativity to new heights. With its hook and loop coins, Docklets allows 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, enabling the creation of ergonomic shapes and the recreation of movements. Illustrated step-by-step instructions make building with Docklets a breeze, ensuring that both kids and adults can enjoy the endless possibilities.

The Docklets bricks are made of 100% pure poplar wood, enhanced with hook and loop coins made of polyamide and hot-melt adhesive. The bricks come in different shapes and sizes, all of which are compatible with one another, allowing for endless combinations and designs.

Each Docklets set comes with a specific number of pieces and model ideas. For example, the Safari and Zoo sets include 32 pieces and offer three model ideas, while the Starter set includes 18 pieces and provides five model ideas. The packaging size is a compact 130 mm x 130 mm x 130 mm, making it easy to store and transport.

The development of Docklets was not without its challenges. The design team 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. Additionally, finding the right balance between the sizes of the bricks and the sizes/adhesion of the hook and loop coins proved to be a manufacturing hurdle. Ultimately, an individual hot-melt glue had to be fabricated especially for Docklets to achieve the desired results.

The Docklets project started in October 2014 in Berlin, Germany. It was first presented to the public at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in January 2016. Since then, the team has continuously improved and expanded the product line. In early 2018, three new products were unveiled - the Docklets Starter set, Docklets Safari set, and Docklets Zoo set. These sets will be available in stores by August 2018, allowing even more builders to experience the joy and creativity of Docklets.

Docklets has received widespread recognition for its innovative design. In 2018, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Docklets' integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world have made it a standout in the toy block industry.

With Docklets, the world of building blocks has been revolutionized. Its unique hook and loop system, combined with its eco-friendly materials, provides an unparalleled building experience. Whether you're a child or an adult, Docklets will ignite your imagination and bring your creations to life.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Thade Precht
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Philipp Wieder, Docklets Set 58062, 2018. Image #2: Photographer Philipp Wieder, Docklets Set 58064, 2018. Image #3: Photographer Philipp Wieder, Docklets Set 58060, 2018. Image #4: Photographer Philipp Wieder, Docklets Sets 58060/58062/58064, 2018. Image #5: Photographer Ekkehard Nitschke, kids with Docklets Set 58050, 2016.
Project Team Members: Thade Precht
Project Name: Docklets
Project Client: Thade Precht


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