Modular Rain Stick
A toy created for studio. This was an exploration in play, and what it means to facilitate and prompt play in design.
I began to explore sound in toys that did not already have sound as part of their play, but this exploration quickly reminded me of my own fascination with a sound toy as a kid. A handmade native rain stick, given to me by a family member, created sounds that were enchanting. I forever wanted to deconstruct this toy, but knew I would lose the function of my gift. I then explored how these rain sticks are made, how they make sound, and then explored how I could construct a rain stick that allowed for playing with building one.
Creating a rain stick with removable pegs and fillable with any medium resulted in an unintended, but added function of play, which was straining particulate. These holes added a sensory subject, but also additional ways of play. I also began thinking of materiality, and an acrylic storage tube seemed to be the best option, as it allowed for visual movement as the stick created sound. This also meant I inherited a shoulder strap and functional lid, which also added portability and function.
