We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Nastaran Akbari about their original and creative Multifunctional Kids Product design work. Nastaran Akbari is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original multifunctional kids product works.
Nastaran Akbari ("NA") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work 3 Khan Multifunctional Kids Product. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
NA : The 3 Khan is a multifunctional product designed to transform into three different configurations—a single table, a double table, and a wooden cottage. Children, with the guidance of parents or educators, can actively participate in assembling and transforming the product, enhancing their engagement and curiosity. Whether playing with a friend or sitting with an adult, the child can enjoy group activities such as drawing, storytelling, playtime, or shared meals. The puzzle-like assembly keeps the child’s mind curious and engaged. This hands-on interaction strengthens both cognitive and practical skills while introducing children to basic mechanical concepts through safe and playful work with tools and connectors.
NA : Our Core Purpose Our main goal is to foster meaningful interaction between children and their parents while introducing young minds to ancient cultural heritage. This is achieved through the hand-painted illustrations on the product, inspired by epic stories from the Shahnameh—The Book of Kings, an epic work of Persian literature. These visual narratives naturally spark curiosity in children and encourage parents to share the stories behind them, deepening emotional bonds and communication within the family. In today’s world, where children’s technical and hands-on abilities are in decline, this design intentionally focuses on reviving those skills. With the help of parents or educators, children are encouraged to explore and utilize the product in its various configurations.
NA : Along with developing a personal brand, a key objective is to attract investors for the production and commercialization of the product.
NA : A Smart Solution Born from Real Needs Faced with a limited budget and a lack of space, a client requested practical furniture for children. After exploring existing options in the market and encountering challenges, an idea emerged: why not design a table that could transform into a cottage or tent, be easy to move, and adapt as the child grows up to age seven? The result was The 3 Khan—a single package that offers four unique functions in one compact and creative solution.
NA : Currently, we are developing this innovative product exclusively for Mad Studio. We plan to start mass production both within Iran and internationally. We are seeking enthusiastic investors.
NA : During the design process and market research in Iran, we discovered that no product could fully address the essential needs of both children and their parents. Our goal was to create something that was not only functional but also engaging, ensuring it would never be boring. 3 Khan is a multifunctional product that transforms into three different configurations based on the child’s age and needs: a single table, a double table, and a wooden cottage. With just a few simple adjustments, children can explore and enjoy new setups, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Even the product box is part of the play. Designed as a wooden truck, it allows children to store their toys and books, pull it with a rope and wooden handle, and take it with them wherever they go — at home, in the garden, or during group activities. We also wanted to convey the idea that heroic and historical tales don't belong only in books. The illustrated characters on the product spark curiosity and interest in storytelling, encouraging children to ask questions and delve into the narratives behind them. 3 Khan creates opportunities for play, group interaction, storytelling, and shared experiences — all while fostering a deeper connection between children and their parents.
NA : Parents and educators of children aged one to seven years.
NA : Several key aspects set this design apart from others: - It promotes meaningful interaction between parents and children, encouraging shared activities and communication. - It introduces children to historical and cultural stories, sparking their curiosity through visual storytelling inspired by epic literature. - It helps develop children's hands-on, hardware-related skills at a time when society increasingly emphasizes digital and soft skills. - It encourages the efficient and multifunctional use of materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and addressing concerns about environmental impact and material recycling.
NA : "The 3 Khan" is inspired by the legendary Seven Labors of Rostam (Haft Khan-e Rostam), a celebrated episode from the Persian epic Shahnameh. Just as Rostam confronts a series of challenges on his journey, a child interacting with this product embarks on a journey of exploration, transformation, and discovery. The product evolves through three stages, ultimately culminating in a wooden cottage—a symbolic home for the child. To enhance this cultural connection, hand-painted illustrations depicting scenes from the Haft Khan are applied directly to the wooden surfaces of the product. This transformation makes The 3 Khan more than just a toy; it becomes a unique fusion of play, storytelling, and cultural heritage.
NA : The product requires no mechanical tools such as screws to transform into its three different configurations. One of the unique features of The 3 Khan is that it relies entirely on repositioning components at precise 90° or 135° angles—no screws, bolts, or additional hardware are needed. This intuitive design makes the transformation process simple and safe.
NA : After completing the initial design, I needed someone with expertise in mechanical connections and technical execution to help further develop the idea, as my background is in architecture. During this phase, I consulted several individuals, many of whom believed the concept was unrealistic—that a table transforming into multiple functional forms wasn’t feasible. Fortunately, I was introduced to Dr. Davood Manafi, a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Through a series of collaborative sessions, we realized that the concept could indeed be brought to life with the desired outcome. Once we reached the prototype stage, I sought an artist who was passionate about Persian culture to help bring the illustrations from the Shahnameh to life in a way that would be both educational and captivating for children under seven. My mother, Mrs. Leila Sohbati, is a painter, and together we began reading and researching the Shahnameh to select suitable stories. We collaborated closely—from conceptual sketches to final colors and details—to hand-paint the chosen scenes directly onto the wooden surfaces of the product.
NA : I conducted research focused on children aged one to six, specifically within the context of Iranian society. To better understand their interests and developmental needs, I engaged in conversations with several parents about their practical expectations for products aimed at this age group. Additionally, I studied child psychology literature and spent meaningful time with children to gain a deeper insight into their world. These efforts were crucial in shaping a design that is both emotionally engaging and developmentally appropriate.
NA : During the design process, we aimed to preserve the original connection structure between parts, but we anticipated that the product might face challenges in stability, particularly in the double table and cottage configurations. We began prototyping, and our assumptions were confirmed: while the single table worked well, the double table setup did not hold the intended 90 degree angle and tended to collapse inward. The cottage configuration also failed to achieve the desired 135 degree angle due to insufficient support. This led us to closely study the thickness and strength of the connector pieces to ensure they could reliably hold the wooden elements in place. After modifying the shape and structure of the connectors, the visual and technical outcomes improved significantly. We proceeded with a second round of testing, which showed great progress. Eventually, by slightly increasing the thickness of the joints, we achieved the desired level of stability and performance. By the third prototype, the product was structurally sound, safe, and stable in all three configurations. Remarkably, in the double table configuration, it was even able to support the weight of an adult—something we hadn’t expected at first.
NA : Focusing on children has been a crucial aspect of this design process. Well-designed products can improve the experience, particularly during those precious moments shared during learning, play, and growth. Thoughtful design can strengthen the bond between parents and children.
