Qboidz
Building System
One of the main reasons behind the inception of “QBOIDZ” was the inability of children under the age of 6 to linearly assemble the “Classic” ENGINO® components. Extensive research with cognitive psychologists and developmental experts showed that children of such younger age, do not have adequate skills for a two-step sidelateral connection and neither the abstract reasoning to comprehend it. An innovative solution was developed in 2016 by designing a new type of “end-receptor”, a joint that would allow direct linear assembly with a single, one-step snap action. The new system became an immediate success, enabling children even from the age of 3 to achieve the ENGINO® snap-fit connection! Together with these rods, a
library of cubic blocks has been developed which further lowers the pay-age to 1.5 years for babies. Like most traditional large-scale brick
systems, toddlers could stack one block over the other and gradually engage into more complex building. The cubic shape also inspired the
name “QBOIDZ”!
What differentiates “Qboidz” blocks from any other brick systems, is the incorporation of the original ENGINO® snap-fit geometries on the cube’s
body! By selectively embedding the ENGINO® bi-directional receptors and the mushroom shaped plugs on the block’s sides, the possibility to
connect rods onto blocks became a reality. Our QBOIDZ system is perhaps the only constructional toy that grows with the child, respecting his or
her needs at every stage of their development, from the age of 3 to 6. Our theory which concurs with latest neurological research- is that by
playing with blocks signals are sent to the brain and activate a particular area which relates to spatial perception and three-dimensional thinking.
By stacking bricks, one section of this area is activated. More and more neurons are stimulated as children play and reconfigure their blocks.
At the age of 1.5 to 3, stacking bricks is one of the healthiest forms of play for kids. However, as they grow older, different levels of stimuli are
needed to enhance their spatial perception. Traditional bricks only allow stacking, limiting brain activation to the particular region only. However,
with QBOIDZ, side-building is possible, adding complexity to the creative process. This complexity activates adjacent neurons not previously
triggered and create new neuron connections called synapses.
There are critical periods during a child’s development which favor specific neural connections. At this age of Junior Engineers, these brain cell
synapses are permanent, much like when learning our first language. By engaging the child in a more complex constructional play, it is possible
to establish such new neuro pathways which relate not only to Spatial awareness but also to Engineering Creativity and Innovative thinking.
At ENGINO® research center we call these stages Levels of Dimensional Thinking™.
One-dimensional Thinking
Stacking blocks vertically:
Stack the patented cubic blocks (named Qboidz) vertically as with traditional brick systems.
Two-dimensional Thinking
Connecting blocks to the side: Connect the Qboidz blocks sideways to explore the 3D space, increasing building complexity while further developing hand-eye coordination, dexterity skills and spatial perception.
Three-dimensional Thinking
Combining blocks with beams:The next step is to fine tune the skills acquired in the previous level. Qboidz blocks can connect to a range of beams designed with a plethora of male and female connecting nodes in order to allow for more detailed constructions. These beams require a higher force of assembly, challenging older preschool children.
Fifth-dimensional Thinking
Coding with robotic parts: There are three generations of construction toys. The 1st was that of building structural models. The 2nd was the inclusion of mechanical elements that added motion to the models. New technologies introduced the 3rd generation, that of robotized constructions. The compatibility of the Qboidz system with ENGINO® extends to programmable controllers and sensors! This step into technology helps students acquire 21st century skills and learn coding through interdisciplinary STEM challenges.
