Trevor Loft Bed:
function x play
Client
Homecentre Kids (HCK)
Scope
Ideation, Iterative Design, 3D Model & CAD,
Prototype Development with Supplier,
Sample Checking, Finalizing Look & Feel.
Discipline
Industrial Design
Question and Objectives:
Where Function Meets Play
How might we design a functional, playful, and immersive loft bed for children, seamlessly integrating elements of surprise and delight?
Our goal was to create an innovative loft bed that tapped into children’s imagination while effectively addressing the primary needs of sleep and storage. This project required a thoughtful balance of functionality, spatial design, and engaging play elements.
Ideation and Themes:
From Head-in-the-Clouds to Cabin in the Woods
After exploring various out of the box themes for children, such as the mushroom house, head-in- the-clouds, and role-playing as adults, the team and I chose to concentrate on the 'cabin in the woods/treehouse’ theme for a gender-neutral bed. It was the right theme to explore as an enclosed hut-shaped loft bed was missing from the assortment of beds we offered at HCK.
Having established the cabin/treehouse theme, I analyzed similarly themed beds on the market to identify unique features and design elements that could enhance our playful loft bed. This research informed my design decisions, ensuring our treehouse bed stood out from the competition while catering to children's preferences and needs.
A key priority was ensuring the loft bed incorporated multifunctional features and storage solutions, transforming the loft bed into more than just a secure sleeping area.
I cycled through several design iterations, fine-tuning the concept with feedback from the HCK team to strike the perfect balance between functionality, safety, and fun.
Product Development:
Prototyping with the Right Partners
Upon solidifying the design direction, we collaborated with one of our trusted suppliers based in Malaysia to bring our vision to life. The prototyping phase always requires design refinements based on supplier capabilities, material optimization, and market availability.
Once we finalized the prototype and carefully checked it internally to ensure it met our objectives and standards, we sent it to a third party, the ISO, for safety testing before green-lighting mass production of the Trevor Loft Bed.
The Final Loft Bed:
Climb into the Trevor Treehouse
Inspired by a 'cabin in the woods' theme, I designed this loft bed as a versatile environment, adapting and evolving alongside children’s development for years to come. Trevor Treehouse cultivates children’s imagination, creating a dynamic space for storage, play, and growth!
Key Features
Ladder and slide interchangeable (during assembly process) for accessing the bed
Hammock beneath the elevated loft bed for reading time and day-dreaming
Surprise: Ambient LED light strip with switch, creating a cozy little nook
