May 23, 2025 (press release) –
New York, NY – May 5, 2025 – Kikkerland Design Inc., in collaboration with Barnes & Noble and Pratt Institute, is proud to announce the launch of the Barnes & Noble x Kikkerland Design x Pratt Design Challenge product showcase, set to debut in Barnes & Noble stores nationwide in May 2025. This in-store presentation aligns with New York Design Week and will be featured in the check-out lane, offering customers an exclusive look at the latest innovative designs from Pratt Industrial Design departments’ emerging talent.
The 2024 Design Challenge winners will take center stage, with a special highlight on Isabela Nery's "Book Voyager", the Academic Choice Winner selected by a panel of jurors from Barnes & Noble and the Kikkerland design team. The "Book Voyager" is a clever, portable book stand designed for readers on the move. James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, praised Nery’s project for exceeding expectations while acknowledging the difficulty of selecting just one winner among the exceptional entries.
“Being a book lover, I was thrilled to collaborate with Barnes & Noble. It marked one of my initial experiences working within a brand's guidelines, which was both daunting and motivating. The chance to create designs centered around one of my greatest passions was truly exciting,” said Isabela Nery. “I wanted to create something that truly enhances the reading experience while feeling natural in a bookstore setting.”
Nery’s journey in design began in her native Brazil, where she was surrounded by artisanal crafts and developed a passion for creating handmade gifts. Inspired by her love for creativity, she pursued Industrial Design, focusing on products that could brighten people's lives. Her research for the challenge involved visiting Barnes & Noble stores, observing existing products, and conducting interviews with book lovers to identify gaps in the market. “I cycled through many concepts, but I was most passionate about the idea of a book sleeve that doubles as a stand, catering to avid readers on the go,” she explained.
The Pratt course, Prototypes 1: Kikkerland Design Challenge, was led by esteemed product designer Constantine Boym, whose mentorship helped students refine their ideas and turn concepts into market-ready products. The course provided an immersive real-life experience in product development, pushing students to consider functionality, marketability, and brand alignment.
In addition to "Book Voyager," the showcase will feature a selection of other standout designs from the 2024 competition, including:
The Cookbook Ends – Designed by Aarushi Talesara, this set of stylish bookends doubles as a utensil holder, offering both form and function for modern kitchens.
Annotation Garden – Created by Doreen Riso, this set of floral-shaped stickers transforms book annotations into a blooming display, making it a perfect springtime bookstore pick-up.
Pen Pup – A charming, molded sculpture designed by Lin Chen, this adorable dog-shaped pen holder helps readers keep their place while keeping a pen handy.
Beyond the latest designs, the showcase will also feature winners from previous Kikkerland Design Challenges, bringing back fan favorites such as the Luchador Bottle Opener, Fisherman Tea Holder, Cherry Blossom Mug, and many more.
Since 2009, Kikkerland Design has been fostering creativity through its Design Challenges, inviting students from top design schools worldwide to create innovative and practical products. The program celebrates local design cultures and brings fresh ideas to the global market.
“We are thrilled to see this collaboration with Pratt Institute come to life in Barnes & Noble stores,” said Jan van der Lande, CEO and Founder of Kikkerland Design. “It’s great to give young designers a platform, and as a design company, it’s just part of what we should be doing.”
The Barnes & Noble x Kikkerland Design x Pratt Design Challenge product showcase will be available in stores starting May 2025. For more information about Kikkerland Design and the Design Challenge, visit https://www.barnesandnobledesignchallenge.com / or contact Daisuke van der Lande, Marketing Director, at daisuke@kikkerland.com.
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