Taking a piece of home with you
For children Pre-K and under, home can mean a few different things. One of the main things is the how easy it is to fall asleep in a familiar place where you know are safe.
DemoGraphic
Young Preschoolers between the ages of 2 - 5 years old. At this age the children have still not broken away from constantly needing the presence of their parents.
Interview
Regardless of age they are always asking for their parents. Sleeping can be the most difficult for them since they are not at home. Can sometimes carry a photo,a special toy, or a blanket to help them go to sleep.
music and sleep
There are various clear connections between the playing of music during sleep for children and their sleep quality. Studies have found that there are 6 main reasons that the playing of music has a positive impact on a child under the age of 5.
increase sleep quality
Reduction of insomnia
Reduce Stress
Helps develop brain
Aid pain relief
Provides white noise
Sketches
Phase 1:
Primarily I two main directions I was trying to design for. Social Comfort and Comfort in Sleeping in preschools. Saw more opportunity in sleeping since there are too many variants of personalities for the age group.
Phase 2:
Looked at different ways to help children to sleep. From color association and moods, to cues received by the 5 senses. Continued down a tactile and auditory.
Phase 3:
Begin working out details such as how the child interacts with the speaker and also beginning to include customization features for them to make it their own. Continue to experiment with different materials.
Prototypes
Observing how much the rim of the pillow interferes with the neck or shoulders of the user.
Quick mock up of a secure method of releasing for a pull down pillow. Scratched since it would either be too strong.
Took apart an existing backpack to take not of its construction and to think about why the materials used were chosen
Printed quick silhouettes to have a quick visual for size
Primary construction and development of pattern
Making sure new pattern fits all necessary items.
Materials comparison &Selection
There were several needs that needed to be met. Most
were related to their durability, weatherproof abilities, comfort, washability, and special features.
Pillow
Wool
Tough
Gets itchy
Not water resistant
Cotton
Breathable
Soft
Long lasting
Linen
Low Maintenance
Light and Breathable
Not Durable
Backpack
Upholstery Fabric
Tough
Holds shape
Not very soft
Canvas
Durable
Natural
Nylon
Repels Insects
Water resistant
Durable
Pillow Filler
Polyester
Cheapest
Good for solely decorative purposed
Down
Softer and longer lasting
Can be costly
Foam
Holds shape well
Super Soft
Not Durable
Blanket
Cotton
Breathable
Hypoallergenic
Long lasting
Polyester
Long Lasting
Very washable
Fleece
Synthetic wool almost
Good for different weather
Final
Features
Back pack
Nylon material to repel water and insects
Pull off pillow
Cotton on the face side of the pillow
Mini speaker for soft music
Custom Marker for customizing backpack
Marker can only mark the backpack
Compact
Fits small folders and a change of clothes
Speaker & Marker
Low Volume Speaker
Slim
Fabric Speaker Grille
Reduce higher
frequencies
Pop-out Markers
Silicon Band
Markers can only mark backpack
Blend marker