BONBO is a tableware collection for kids and babies, developed with a wish to make everyday meal time a pleasant memory. The size and shape are not only suitable for a baby’s first meal but can also support growing appetites as kids grow.
Made of durable material, the collection is comfortable to use for both kids and adults. With a nuanced texture, the pieces fit in well in dining rooms with a relaxed style, and kids will hopefully remember the simple, unique design with fondness.
In developing BONBO, KINTO worked with product designer Fumie Shibata. We asked her about her source of inspiration and the details behind the design.
“Many parents have told me that meal time can be a stressful activity with young children, so I wanted to create something that would ease the stress and bring some fun to the table. I came up with the organic, asymmetrical shape which adds rhythm when laid on the table and counterbalances the coldness of plastic. I made the inside of plates and bowls white to highlight the color of food, and chose playful colors for the outside, but in subdued tones so they do not look out of place alongside grown-up plates. All colors are suitable for both boys and girls, and can be mixed and matched for extra fun."
[DESIGNER PROFILE]
Fumie Shibata
Product designer, Representative of Design Studio S. Works with Japanese and international brands to create a wide variety of products from electronics, daily goods, medical devices, to hotels. Awards include the iF Gold Award (Germany), the red dot design award, the Mainichi Design Prise, the Good Design Gold Ward, and three Design for Asia Awards (Grand Award, Special Award for Culture, Gold Award). Professor of Musashino Art University. Chairperson of the Good Design Judging Committee 2018-2019. Author of the book 'Forms within Forms'.
The BONBO gift box was designed so that the experience of opening the box creates another fun memory. We asked Atsushi Ishiguro from creative studio OUWN about his design.
“As a gift box for babies’ and kids’ tableware, I wanted to it to feel warm and loving, with a hint of playfulness. Instead of making it pop by using bright colors, I decided to try and make it sophisticated so that it would appeal to adults looking for a gift for a friend.”
“Following the product concept, ‘creating fun memories at the table’ I drew the outlines of the products and played with font elements such as the size to evoke images of happy, imaginitive, and lively conversation around the table with kids."
[DESIGNER PROFILE]
Atsushi Ishiguro
President of creative studio OUWN. International award-winning art director, graphic designer, sign planner and web designer, experieneced in various aspects of planning and creation. In addition to design work, he is also actively engaged in artistic activities such as "People and Thought.(PaT.)" (p-a-t.jp), merging thought with environmental and creative expressions and displays.
