Microbuddies

Microscopic in size yet indispensable. Microbes are vital for health, waste processing, agriculture, and food fermentation. Without them, life as we know it would not exist. Microbuddies is a project that celebrates the importance of micro-organisms and introduces these often underestimated creatures to a new generation in a playful way.

Microbuddies began as an exploration of children’s emotional attachment to toys and the significance of transitional objects, such as blankets and stuffed animals, in early development. I observed a lack of creativity in the design of stuffed animals and wanted to experiment with the core principles of effective transitional object design, applying them to lesser-known, unconventional animals, that could also use some love.

Microbuddies features two plush toys, both accompanied by a little picture book. The two microbes this project focusses on are the tardigrade and the dust mite. The tardigrade is a tiny creature known for its remarkable resilience, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, radiation and even the vacuum of space. The picture book follows a determined tardigrade named Krik, who dreams of venturing beyond his puddle and becoming an astronaut.

The dust mite is another fascinating microbe. They are often misunderstood due to their association with allergens but are harmless to most people that aren’t allergic. they are incredibly clean creatures that play a crucial role in cleaning and breaking down organic matter, contributing to the ecosystem’s natural recycling process. The picture book follows Patty and Bo, a pair of dust mites navigating the perilous challenges of laundry day.