This is Rocker, a super stylish minimalist rocking horse created by Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien of London based Doshi Levien design office, for German furniture manufacturer Richard Lampert.
The designers intentionally shied away from a figurative form in order to spark the imagination of children.
An interesting effect of minimalist design: by leaving out elements, you leave it open for the imagination.
Derek
2011.05.25 00:46
This is just a gut feeling, but I’d say kids would probably not like this. It doesn’t look fun. It isnt imaginative. I understand it is minimalistic in a way, but probably incredibly boring to it’s target market. ;)
Carl MH Barenbrug
2011.05.25 13:05
Good find Maarten ;)
I love this. Obviously not all children will enjoy it, but I think it would appeal to many.
Maarten P. Kappert
2011.05.25 13:51
Love your blog, Carl. You should post more often – or join our team perhaps?
Carl MH Barenbrug
2011.05.25 14:52
I have thought about requesting to join actually. Would be an honour.
Christel
2011.05.30 10:11
I’m curious too. Did they test this with their target group? It’s rather a bold statement that kids would love this and that it would trigger their imagination… I have to agree with Derek for now. But, I think it’s right on the money for parents getting sick of all the bold colours and plastic toys in their house ;)
polly
2011.07.21 16:57
I speak, not as a designer, but as an educational anthropologist, who has worked in the field of early childhood for well over 20 years. Have you never heard the stories of children’s absorption with the box some plastic toy came in, rather than the toy? Kids and parents would love this. My only suggestion: figure out a way to put a surface on the body that the kids could draw on or harmlessly adhere things to. Derek, you underestimate children, they have plenty of imagination, unless they are being force fed Baby Einstein, etc. This is exquisite!
polly
2011.07.22 20:41
I do wish there was a photo from “head on.” It looks as if children could also crawl through it, a definite bonus!