Maria Boado

Since I was a child, my mother has enabled me to play freely and without limits, nurturing my creativity and unlocking new worlds. This freedom played an important role in making me the person I have become. It shaped my way of thinking and perceiving life, my attention to detail, and my sensitivity. All of this is reflected in my approach as a graphic designer.

This experience inspired me to dedicate my capstone project to helping other children enjoy what I benefited from: free play. Free play is crucial for the healthy development of children, as it allows them to explore and understand the world around them. However, contemporary society presents obstacles to free play, such as highly structured schedules for children, parental overprotection, the prevalence of digital devices, and an abundance of toys that limit imaginative play.

To address these challenges and promote free play, I decided to create KoKoKit, an accessory kit that allows children to explore their surroundings as they travel around the world of their imagination.

The kit contains eight KoKoObjects, designed to offer an open-ended and non-conductive experience. These objects can be attached to everyday items children can find in their homes, serving as tools to initiate the exploration of the environment and leaving space for unlimited possibilities driven by their imaginations.

To support this idea, I developed a visual identity focused on the concept that children are little explorers who use the KoKoObjects to travel around the limitless world of their imagination. This concept is also integrated with a significant emphasis on handicrafts, creating a tangible connection between children and design.