In conversation with IRENE GUERRIERI
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Irene Guerrieri
After graduating in industrial design (with a thesis on a playground inspired by the tale of Pinocchio), completing a Master’s degree in Functional Design in Stockholm, developing a friendship with Bruno Munari and collaborating with leading toy companies, Irene Guerrieri is now a lecturer in New Toy Design and one of the foremost experts in the design of spaces and games for children. On the occasion of the European Diversity Month, she shares how embracing diversity starts with observing reality and how children play. An approach that fully reflects Marcolin’s sensitivity towards inclusivity.
There is a sense of magic surrounding your work as a “toy creator”: can you tell us something about your creative process?
«Everything begins with observing reality through the eyes of children, who are always able to see something else within things, something that has always come quite naturally to me. For example, the idea for the rain game came from watching raindrops on a windowpane. I am currently working on a story built around a popsicle, which will soon move into the prototyping phase. I usually build prototypes using paper: thinking with my hands helps me refine the idea. Only then do I consider the material, involve my collaborators and, finally, create a video to show how it works».
In a constantly evolving world, what role does cultural diversity play in toy design?
«Inclusion and attention to diversity are now essential principles. There are no longer pink or blue toy boxes, games are for everyone. From my perspective (not only as a professional, but also as a mother of five), children are naturally curious and inclusive towards others, without distinctions. If they do not absorb them from adults, they do not develop prejudices».
What role does digital play have, and what role will it have in the future?
«There are no preconceptions. Mitchell Resnick, Professor of Learning Research at the MIT in Boston, has long been exploring how new technologies can engage both children and adults in creative learning, because we are happiest when we are creative. Digital play is positive as long as it is not limiting – that is, as long as it does not hinder children’s creativity – and contributes to building connections between different cultures».
