We're thrilled to share an exciting milestone in KARRI's journey toward revolutionising child communication technology. Our collaboration with the legendary design consultancy Pentagram and industrial designer Jon Marshall has been instrumental in bringing our next-generation Messenger to life.
Collaborative design process for innovative child technology
At KARRI, we believe that childhood should be about exploration, independence, and genuine connection, not screen addiction. Our data-enabled, screen-free Messenger represents a thoughtful alternative to smartphones, designed specifically for children aged 5-13 who aren't ready for the complexities and risks of smart devices with full access to the internet.
The Design Partnership That Made It Possible
Working with Jon Marshall and the Pentagram team has been transformative for our product development. Their research-driven approach to industrial design perfectly aligned with our mission to create something that feels both fun for kids and reassuring for parents. The Pentagram team's expertise in creating child-friendly technology, demonstrated through previous successes like the award-winning Yoto Player, made them the ideal partners for this project.
Jon Marshall's team didn't just design a product; they helped us reimagine what safe, independent communication looks like for children. Their meticulous attention to user experience, combined with our deep understanding of family communication needs, has resulted in a device that truly serves both children and parents.
Addressing a Growing Movement
Our collaboration comes at a crucial time when parents worldwide are seeking alternatives to smartphones for their children. The Smartphone Free Childhood movement, which has gained momentum across the UK and internationally, reflects growing parental concerns about the impact of unrestricted internet access on developing minds.
Over 140,000 parents from 13,500 schools have signed pacts to delay smartphone use until age 14, creating a clear demand for solutions like KARRI that enable communication without the risks associated with full internet access.
Innovation in Child Safety Technology
Our KARRI Messenger offers comprehensive communication capabilities while maintaining our commitment to screen-free childhood:
- Voice messaging between children and parents through our secure app
- GPS tracking and geo-fencing for parental peace of mind
- KARRI-to-KARRI communication for supervised peer interaction
- Global connectivity through built-in data networks
- Robust, waterproof design built for active children
Looking Forward
As we prepare for our official shipping later this year, we're excited to be pioneering a revolutionary new category in out-of-home, voice-driven communication for kids. This isn't just about creating another gadget, t's about supporting healthy childhood development while giving families the connectivity they need in today's world.
The partnership with Pentagram has helped us capture the spirit of what KARRI represents: giving children independence and fun ways to connect, without the distraction of a smartphone. Together, we're not just designing products, we're designing a healthier future for childhood.
Preorder your KARRI here.