Pilo Mini: Redefining Children's Pillows with Music and Design

Kin Cheung's Innovative Pillow Design Combines Ergonomics, Music, and Low-Poly Aesthetics

The Pilo Mini is not just a pillow; it's a revolution in terms of shape and function. Its low-poly structure, based on children's ergonomics data, outlines a suitable curve that follows the contours of the head, neck, and shoulder. But what sets the Pilo Mini apart is its built-in sound units. These invisible and imperceptible units work without an external power source, creating a gently whispering sound field that's acoustically balanced. Children and parents can use the Pilo Mini to enjoy bedtime stories or music via any player with an audio interface.

The Pilo Mini is the result of a collaboration between biomedical engineers and industrial designers. It provides an appropriate supporting height and pressure-relieving angle. The low-poly curve design is based on anthropometry and ergonomics data and implemented with open-cell memory foam. The pillowcase is made of special cotton fabric, ensuring a comfortable feeling for sensitive children's skin. The loudspeakers are protected by a special type of soft silicone cover, making them imperceptible.

Operating the Pilo Mini is simple. It has an audio input cable and does not need to charge. Parents can play music on it using any device with an audio output connector, such as cellphones, iPods, tablets, etc. The loudspeakers inside ensure that children can hear high-quality music while sleeping on it. The Pilo Mini allows children and their parents to enjoy their bedtime with stories and music.

The Pilo Mini project started in the middle of 2017 in Shenzhen, China. The design was inspired by the desire to create a pillow that fits the sleeping gestures and slumber patterns of growing children while presenting a unique style of low-poly design. The team received help from a biomedical engineering laboratory from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which provided anthropometry and ergonomics statistical data of children's head, neck, and shoulder.

The biggest challenge was to create a gently whispering sound field in the pillow, ensuring high-quality sound. Since the sound units are embedded in the pillow and children's skin is very sensitive, they needed to be invisible and absolutely imperceptible. A professional audio studio helped customize the sound units and adjust the sound field. Special silicone covers were implanted to protect the loudspeakers, resulting in a product that exceeded expectations.

The Pilo Mini has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Baby, Kids and Children's Products Design Award in 2018. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The Pilo Mini is not just a pillow; it's a testament to the power of design and innovation in improving everyday life.