When Anson Wong first started the industrial design program at the University of Alberta, he didn’t know that, one day, he’s be designing Montessori toys for kids.
“It’s my way to reflect on the design and education philosophy I believe in,” says Wong. “I want to create heirloom quality toys that could be passed down through generations.”
Wong first encountered toy designing as part of a university project, and made a few batches of handmade wood toys for his niece. Now Wong creates pincer and palmar blocks, shape puzzles and toss rings at. CUBOS. All toys shine in gorgeous natural wood colours, coated in beeswax.
“My observation is, kids recognize toys with good quality,” reflects Wong. “They’re interested in feeling the texture in good raw materials.”
Throughout the years, Wong developed an interest in the studies of child education. He wondered how exciting it is for kids to explore the world around them, and what he could do to create a more sustainable, creative environment for the next generations.
“Some parents used to ask, why don’t your puzzle toys have one exact answer? And I thought, those are for kids, they are full of possibilities. You’ve got to let kids learn by themselves.”
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