Once upon a time, children played games outside; blind man’s bluff, hide and seek, tip-cat, taw, and many more... Today, families cannot send their children outside to play anymore. Children stuck in apartment buildings cannot get rid of their energies. Families try to come up with solutions to bring their children back to normal life when they see their kids hazed in front of the computer. Companies, who witness this parent-child dilemma, come up with functional solutions through design at children’s parks.
The children will get a chance to play freely at the parks with the toys created by Altuğ Toprak, a graduate of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Industrial Design. Toprak, rolled up his sleeves to make playing outside more appealing to children who grow up trapped in apartment buildings in front of computers, and he started to design new generation of toys at CEMER Kent Ekipmanları Company. Toprak, after completing his undergraduate studies at IUE Department of Industrial Design, went to Domus Academy, Italy for his graduate studies where he received scholarship, and focused all his creativity on children’s development.
Toprak indicated that they developed educational, entertaining toys which are safe and intended to improve skills of the children. He said, “My purpose for children, who are trapped in apartment buildings in front of computers, to grow up with the new generation of toys we designed that are educational and developmental.” Toprak, who said, they opted for ‘User focused design’, stated the following words:
"Children cannot get rid of their energies properly. Most of the times, parents don’t feel comfortable allowing their children to play outside. But, with the outdoor playgrounds we develop, we ensure children’s safety. While they burn physical energy properly, they also reveal their creativity with the toys we design. Design plays an important role here. We contribute to their education while we attract their attention.”
Toprak pointed out that the education he received at IUE provided a significant advantage in revealing out his creativity, he had in-depth knowledge of design methods, and used these in practice. Toprak said, “Designers from all around the world apply to Domus Academy with their projects. Only 2 of these are granted scholarships for graduate studies. While studying at IUE, you cannot really appreciate the quality of the education you receive because you are too busy. I had the privilege of doing my master’s at Domus Academy, Italy with young designers who came from different parts of the world, and witnessed variety of disciplines. Today, I enjoy the perks of the education I received at my work life. I enjoy making children happy with the education I received.”
