There is something magical about an object so wonderfully clever and unique you can't help but be intrigued – an object that makes you laugh with no apparent purpose beyond playfulness and creativity. Inspired by that magic, we are partnering with Urban Outfitters and the Pratt Institute to host our 2026 Design Challenge: Playful Objects for Life Offline.
Beginning August 31st, 15 Pratt Industrial Design students will spend the fall semester designing their very own product, following every stage of the real-world design process under the guidance of renowned designer Constantin Boym. Students will present their evolving work directly to judging panel of professional experts from Urban Outfitters and Kikkerland — including our Founder and President Jan van der Lande. In December, the judging panel will select an Academic winner from students' final presentations.
In addition, we want to hear directly from you! Final designs will be presented directly to the public, and the design with most votes will be crowned the People's Choice winner.
Why Life Offline?
For younger generations, much of daily life is defined by consumption of things created, presented, and meticulously personalized "for you" by an algorithm. Telling the difference between what's real and what's AI-generated grows harder and harder.
However, one thing remains universal and unmistakably human: the wholesome connection that arises from sharing laughter and curiosity at something delightfully clever, unique, and playful. Kikkerland has always believed the simple, creative, quirky things make life colorful in a way that technology can't explain or replace, but universally connect people, students, and teachers alike with a smile.
Our design challenge invites Pratt students to join Kikkerland in what has been our mission for over three decades: using creativity to sprinkle curiosity, joy, and human connection into everyday life through design-forward objects.
The Challenge
Each student's design must incorporate both a Kikkerland character and Urban Outfitters' distinct aesthetic appeal. Both the Production and People's Choice winners will have the chance to see their designs produced as part of our official catalogue, featuring designers' names across our packaging, website, and catalog. Selected concepts have the opportunity to be presented at major industry events, such as NYCxDesign, reaching design press, retailers, and global industry leaders!
For this year's challenge, we hope to encourage the next generation of talented designers to design not just for functionality, but also to design for meaningful human experiences, curiosity, joy, and real-world connection — a mission that goes far beyond any single semester.
We cannot wait to see what these bright young designers will come up with and hope you will follow along with us!