erik by Wouter from netherlands

ERIK, a hybrid between animal and machine
“If you want to be moved you have got to move something inside. Only then you can explore the world from a different perspective. One step at a time.”

Concept
ERIK (the creature) is placed in public spaces like the hall of a museum, theater, city hall, shopping mall, etc… Children pass, they wonder what see and start to investigate: "What is that, what can I do with it?"
Erik has to be wound by pulling his tail. After this investment the pay off is a exciting ride! ERIK won't go far nor fast but the movements are very dynamic. Whenever the ride stops it is up to the rider to take ERIK for another spin or go on a quest to find one of the other creatures. In the design I looked for a hybrid between animal and machine. You do not know exactly what Erik is or represents.
My goals are inspiring kids to do more exercise and having fun while doing it. ERIK will fascinate them (what’s that?), challenge their imagination and reward their endurance. Fascination turns into transpiration and becomes inspiration!

Target group
The target group of the creature ERIK is children from 4 to 8 years. This group has a strong fantasy world and may still be called real children. Their motor skills are already fairly developed. The little ones will play with ERIK under supervision. The older children can go their own way without supervision.

Area of use
The coincidental passerby is my audience. Where to find lazy bored kids? Not in the playground but shopping malls, city halls and museums are full of children who can be inspired to move.

Operation
ERIK is a spring powered toy. To get him in motion, the spring must be wound. Pulling the tail winds the motorspring. Once the spring is wound, the child can sit on ERIK's back and explore the world.