It takes a lot of work to chill out
Pre-teen kids are probably the busiest people we know. It might not always look like it on the outside, but on the inside everything runs at hyper speed. With all the energy needed for growing, it makes sense that once they're home, a place to relax and recover is pretty important. That’s where the SLÄKT range comes in. To get it right, we had to go back to the start.
We ordered a study that focused on children aged 8-12 from all around the world. From that we tried to make something that fitted in both with what kids want, and what the parents think the kids need as well.
A worldwide study on what kids want
Child and adolescent psychotherapist Dr Barbie Clarke and her research agency Family Kids & Youth carried out the global study. "Early adolescence is an important phase because it's a slow move towards autonomy and independence,” says Barbie. “There's this huge growth happening that requires a lot of energy. It's not a joke that they really can't wake up in the morning!" One of the big findings was that kids wanted a place to relax and retreat, while still being close to their parents (who still are their biggest influence), even if hanging out with friends is a growing focus. "The bedroom also becomes a place for entertaining with friends. The phrase 'chilling out' was something that we heard around the world. 'Oh, I just want to chill out' is a key desire".
Furniture made to be spontaneous
Building on the research, the work began. We designed SLÄKT to be super modular and adaptable, as well as easy to move around if say a bunch of friends come over. After we tested everything for safety we asked children for their feedback. Then we changed certain designs to be even easier to use and relax with. The kids favorite: a fold out mattress that can be stored under the bed and brought out whenever it’s chill out time. Kids seem to just sort of fall on it. No communication, just 'aaah!'.
Form/Design process
Created together with children
Children are the most important people in the world and we’re curious to hear what they have to say since we create products for them! Therefore, we invite children to creative and playful sessions where they get to participate in our product development. Here they can express themselves freely and draw, show or tell us what is important to them. Their opinions matter and make our products better. After all, they’re the experts!
Material
What is constructed board?
We use constructed boards when manufacturing many of our pieces of furniture, such as tables and wardrobes. They are light yet still stable and strong. Each board has a frame made of chipboard, fibreboard or solid wood, while the inside is a honeycomb filling structure made of mostly recycled paper, which is extra durable thanks to its special construction. The board is then covered with a protective paint, foil or veneer depending on the style wanted.
