Kids Day 2013

A Day of Learning, Exploration and Design by our Next Generation Leaders.

Last Thursday was Meyer Design’s Take-Your-Kids-to-Work-Day. This action-packed event is a full-day program where kids experience the working world and gain a deeper understanding of what Mom or Dad is up to during their workday.

This year’s theme was “Work in Progress.” Divided into three teams of four to five kids, ages 7 to 14 became professional project managers and designers tasked with designing a new playground for their “client” (a Meyer Senior Designer).

Each team went through a five phase process to take their playground from concept to a physical model that they presented at the end of the day.

Phase One was Programming. The teams interviewed their “client” to understand the client’s needs and preferences.



A team translates "client" Tim Wanaselja's playground
 preferences into design concepts.

Phase Two was Research. The teams conducted a site survey at a local park for inspiration, gathered images from magazines and website for ideas and used Meyer Design’s Resource Center for materials. From this information, each team member created an Inspiration Board.



Right: Testing out some polayground equipment for design inspiration.
 Left: Putting together a dynamic inspiration board.

Phase Three was Documentation. The teams created their shared vision for the playground by sketching their design on 30 by 30 inch paper.

Drawing up the design plans.

A quick break to decorate and enjoy cake pops!

Cake pops!

Phase Four was Model Building. Each team created a physical model based on their drawings. True Architects in the making!

Finished model of an innovative playoground.

Phase Five, the final Phase and the day’s closing, was Client Presentations. Each team had half an hour to compose a professional presentation on their final design to give to their respective client.  At this time, each team member received their own professional business card with their “company” name.

The entire Meyer Design staff gathered to hear the presentations and see the final results. All-in-all, Kids Day was a huge success resulting in three fantastic models for exciting new playgrounds as well as over 50 kids and Meyer staff who shared a fun and very special day.

Team "Grand Slammers" with "client" Mike Stanczak.

The Superstars team.

The Dream Team.

Photos by Cashae Davis.