Meekaanoo by Tomm Velthuis, an industrial designer based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a toy set inspired by Meccano, a playful system of colorful metal plates, angle girders and pulleys invented in 1900 by British designer Frank Hornby. Whereas the original toy could be arranged and rearranged to take on familiar forms, this modern spin is made up of abstract shapes that come together to create abstract objects.
Although unorthodox, Meekaanoo by Tomm Velthuis inspires creativity on a higher level in children. The designer says, "It's more an art-piece than a product. But that fine line between art and design is, for me, the most interesting." Through these seemingly meaningly creations, he aims "to bring back fantasy and imagination into our high-speed, pragmatic lives."
Modernized Meccano Toys
Meekaanoo by Tomm Velthuis is Inspired by a Vintage Assembly Set
Trend Themes
1. Abstract Assembly Sets - Meekaanoo by Tomm Velthuis takes inspiration from vintage Meccano toys and modernizes it with abstract shapes to encourage creativity in children.
2. Artistic Playthings - The designer's aim to blur the line between art and design leads to the creation of Meekaanoo, an art-piece disguised as a toy set.
3. Imaginative Object Creation - The abstract pieces of Meekaanoo encourage children to create unique and imaginative objects with endless possibilities.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - Meekaanoo has the potential to disrupt the toy industry by revolutionizing the way children engage in creative play.
2. Design Industry - Meekaanoo blurs the line between art and design, offering opportunities for disruptive innovation in the design industry.
3. Education Industry - Meekaanoo encourages creativity, imagination, and abstract thinking leaving scope for disruptive innovation in the education industry.