Board with a learning curve

One toy, many uses. Here's why social media is talking about this arch plaything

Imagine playing with a curved board and being able to use it in more ways than one? Bloon Toys, Mumbai, founded by Isha Gopal, made this a reality with ‘Curvy board’.

What went into designing such a toy, which is all about free play? It is inspired by the Waldorf education philosophy, a worldwide independent school movement developed by Australian philosopher Rudolf Steiner.

The core belief of the philosophy is that the more minimal a thing is, the more room for ‘play’ and different possibilities it offers. “It allows the child to ‘imagine’ the rest, supporting an active imagination with infinite versatility. The process of designing is very subtractive,” Isha says.

The need for imagination and balance came together while creating the board in 2018.

Arched fun

The board is an arch. It has a minimal form, and can be interpreted in several ways — as a bridge, a rainbow, a tunnel or a boat. An arch can balance on only one point at any given time, so a child intuitively learns to find balance, she adds.

The arch is not too steep but “steep enough for it to be fun and adventurous”. “It’s a 90 degree arch and seven inches off the ground,” Isha points out.

The board, which is available in one size can be used by toddlers to adults. It has been stress-tested to withstand over 300 kg of compression weight.

Design nuances

Currently, the board is made of mango wood. The company uses ‘warm’ materials to make their toys, and not ‘cold’ ones like plastic or metal. “Warm materials give a sense of security and safety to everyone, especially children.”

The toy went through several iterations. “We tried different types of wood and veneers — birch, spruce, and now mango. We also tried different techniques to bend the wood, while strength testing each one,” explains Isha.

They worked through different arches, sizes, edge designs and lining materials, to ensure the final product did not slip, it was easy to maintain, and it was long-lasting.

The board is now available in a range of natural colours. “We’re using natural, plant-based dyes (like indigo, madder, Himalayan rhubarb). The colours are beautiful, and earthy and seep into the wood while retaining its natural grain and texture,” she says.

Popularity

The company has sold around 1,000 curvy boards. Users of social media are talking about its:

*Versatile form

*Compact design

*Ingenuity is how it fosters movement, creativity and free play even indoors.

How can it be used?

For an infant: In an upside position as it can be challenging to crawl over.

For toddlers of 1.5 years: It can be interpreted as a car, a roller coaster, a hill to climb and more. It also makes for a low table, or stool to reach inaccessible places.

For children and adults: Can be used as a balancing board, and for movement if you’ve been stationary for long.

Challenges

Cracking the method of bending the wood just right without compromising on its sturdiness was a challenge, recalls Isha, founder of Bloon Toys.

Achieving balance and aesthetics while keeping the board minimalism was another.