Hajnalka Gólya, a product design graduate of Széchenyi István University who completed her studies last year, has designed a modular piece of children's furniture that adapts to a child's changing needs from infancy through to school age. The concept, which combines four functions in a single product, has received both Hungarian and international design protection, with manufacturing and testing expected to be the next stages of development.

Within the practice-oriented programmes of Széchenyi István University, particular emphasis is placed on projects that encourage students to develop practical and sustainable solutions to real social, lifestyle and environmental challenges. In the Bachelor's programme in Product Design, this approach is supported by the human-centred, problem-solving methodology of design thinking. Students progress from analysing problems and target groups to assessing user needs and ultimately developing prototypes.

Hajnalka Gólya's concept began as a graduation project. It was inspired by a simple everyday observation: as children grow, families often need to purchase new furniture repeatedly, while finding space to store outgrown items can also become problematic. During the development of the prototype, ergonomic and safety considerations associated with different stages of childhood, as well as European Union standards, were taken into account. Natural materials, durability and sustainability were key priorities throughout the design process. As a result, the former student worked with steamed beech wood and applied a child-friendly orange-oil surface finish.

Hajnalka Gólya began developing the product, which has since received both Hungarian and international design protection, during her studies at Széchenyi István University. A 1:2 scale model is shown in the photograph (Photo: András Adorján)

“The furniture can be configured in several ways as a child grows. Initially, it functions as a cradle, later as a cot, then as a toddler bed, and finally it can be transformed into a desk. The individual components can be reconfigured easily, and only a single Allen key is required for assembly,” said Hajnalka Gólya.

“Particular attention was paid to European Union safety standards relating to children's furniture, as well as ensuring the structure remains durable over the long term. We examined, for example, anti-entrapment features and suitable materials. It was important that none of the functions involved a compromise, but rather that each stage provided a fully functional and practical solution,” emphasised Lehel Juhos, Cooperative Researcher at the University's Design Campus Competence Centre and supervisor of the graduation project.

The modular children's furniture recently received international design protection in addition to Hungarian registration. “The most important stages of product development have already been completed: research, concept development, model construction and intellectual property protection are all in place. The next steps may include detailed technical development, prototype testing and preparation for manufacturing,” highlighted Hajnalka Gólya, who is currently studying on the Product and Furniture Design Master's programme at Kingston University London. Alongside her international studies, she is also working to identify manufacturing partners, as her long-term goal is to bring the product to the Hungarian and international markets.

The furniture is unique in that, using only a single Allen key, it can be converted from a cradle into a cot, a desk, and even a children's bed (Photo: András Adorján)