PERCH
ICFF nominated 2026
Perch is a flat packed seating solution for toddlers designed to make communal dining more inclusive, hygienic, and convenient for families on the go. It securely attaches to any chair, allowing toddlers to sit at eye level with others during meals and combines portability, safety, and easy--to--clean materials. Perch helps toddlers to gain the social and developmental benefits of shared dining situations.
Background
Communal meals are essential for baby development as they foster
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Social and emotional growth
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Healthier eating habits
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Increased mindfulness
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Linguistic and cognitive development via conversations
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Behavioral improvement
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Successful academic outcomes
Problem Statement
Restaurants aren't inclusive to children's seating needs
Current market items are not suited for families on the go
Interviews
Juna Gih
"I’m kind of a germaphobe, so when we would eat out, I was not going to put my kid in the high chair at the restaurant, they are just so gross, I don’t want to use it"
Emily Tallaksen
“Some restaurants have suggested a booster seat, but I'd say like 95% of times there is no clip around the seat so it's very unsafe”
Anne Chang
“We would bring a portable high chair, like a folding plastic kind, and you can wrap it around a chair, but it’s really bulky and not convenient”
Design Objective
Foster inclusivity by providing equal seating height for all seated at the table
Provide portability which gives agency to care takers
Ensure safety of the child through proper constraints
Be attentive to the cleanliness of the product keeping in mind germs and mess
Ideation
Process
Rapid prototyping through full scale cardboard models and 3D prints
Mechanism Prototypes
Full scale prototypes to explore a locking mechanism which keeps the chair sturdy and supportive while still allowing for ease of set up.
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CMF Study
After evaluating the current market and trends, this CMF study explored options fit for any gender and explored customer customization.
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Flat Pack
A hands--free approach to carrying this product gives parents agency to seemsly integrate Perch into the daily mealtime situation.
Security
The backpack straps are used to strap the seat to the chair backing and seat base. A locking mechanism in the seat setup also ensures the seat is fully stable and won’t sway or tip with the child's movements.
Cleanliness
Fabric lining the parts which the child touches was an integral part of making the seat not only comfortable but also personal. To address the concern about the the seat's cleanliness, but machine--washable performance fabric allows users to wipe it down and clean the item with ease. The customizable pattern allows the customer to best match their aesthetic and child's wants.
