Shared from twixb · designboom.com

this children’s umbrella casts playful characters onto the ground, making sun protection fun

designboom.com·Jun 11, 2026

Japanese design studio Torinoko and distributor All Stadium have created a children's umbrella called Kage no Otomodachi (Shadow Friends) that transforms sun protection into a playful experience by projecting shadow characters onto the ground, encouraging kids to stay under the umbrella while engaging in imaginative play. This innovative design aims to foster voluntary use of parasols among children in response to increasing summer heat.

This content highlights a clever application of behavioral design by transforming a children's parasol into an engaging tool for sun protection. By incorporating playful shadow characters within the umbrella's shade, the design encourages voluntary use among children, effectively merging functionality with an interactive experience. This approach could inspire similar strategies in UX and product design, emphasizing user engagement through playful, intuitive interactions that align with desired behaviors.

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