New and Improved Nüdel Pod 2.0 !
Turn your child from the toy user to the toy maker. Creating a rich environment full of possibility to express themselves.
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Nüdel Pod 1.0
Kickstarter Success
806 backers pledged AU$ 309,513 to help bring this project to life.
The More Work The Toy Does, The Less Good It Is For Them
This is why the child plays more with the box than most toys. Screens, flashing lights, closed-ended tasks are junk food for the brain. Sugary hits that quickly become dull and boring. Nüdel is very different.
Open-Ended Loose Parts Play Engages Deeper And Longer
Nüdel parts give children what their brains crave, engaging children for longer, developing the social and creative skills that really matter in the world.
100+ Highly Connectable Parts For Creative Play
Our parts offer opportunities that other toys can’t even dream of. Nüdel sessions are richer, deeper and more socially connected than simple toys.
Multi-Purpose Parts Mean Thousands Of Possible Creations For Years
Most toys do one thing and once mastered, these toys hold little value to a child’s brain leaving them unused … and your house cluttered with expensive, barely used toys and little space for creativity and imagination.
The Pod Lets Them Express Their Unique, Curious And Imaginative Side
Each child is unique, and Nüdels' dynamic design nurtures the expression of their individuality. Children create their own personalized playthings, drawing from their rich internal world. Nüdel gives children the tools to investigate the workings of the world, and help them to establish their role within it.
Nüdel Saves You Money
We estimate that the average home spends around $3-4000 on toys over the years. Nüdel is a fraction of that cost and offers so much more to a child’s development.
Natural, Non Toxic, Heirloom Quality Parts 100% Safe For Children
Parents can feel comfortable with their children playing with parts that are made from the highest quality, natural, sustainable materials that are easy to clean, and extremely durable.
Nüdel Does Good
Add a descriptive text here for your slide.Nüdel was created by the charity Playground Ideas. Our profits support the construction of playgrounds, where there are none.
Proven Track Record
We took our award-winning Nüdel Kart trusted by hundreds of schools around the world, and created a smaller, compact version the size of a couple of shoeboxes for any residential household to own.
Our Pod Squad Community
The Nüdel Pod Replaces Almost All Your Children's Toys
Quickly re-create thousands of the toys that clog up your space. Then enjoy as your child (and you) create millions more of your own creations.
Turn Your Child From A Toy User Into The Toy Maker
The Nüdel Pods' open-ended design engages children and parents in a pure play experience, driving creativity and facilitating deep, flow-state engagement.
Enjoyable For Parents Too
Parents continually tell us how enjoyable their time is with their children when using the Nüdel Pod each day, the experiences are fresh and new instead of the mind numbing repetition often experienced when playing with their children using traditional toys. Quality time with parents is so important to children and the Nüdel Pod makes this time more enjoyable for parents and hopefully that means parents will engage even more.
Urbanisation
Urbanization is a trend unique to the past few centuries. By 2050 it's projected that more than two-thirds of the world population will live in urban areas, that's close to 7 billion people. People tend to migrate from rural to urban areas as they become richer.
(Source: Urbanization - Our World in Data https://ourworldindata.org/urbanization)
About The Pod
Dimensions
Centimetres: 63.2cm Length x 40cm Width x 18.5cm Height
Inches: 24.8in Length x 15.8in Width x 7.3in Height
Weight
Fully packed up the Nüdel Pod weighs 9kg approx.
Load Rating
Each configuration is individually rated to 50kg.
Materials
E0 100% Birch Plywood and is child safe and independently tested for formaldehyde and any other nasties, non-toxic, mostly biodegradable and recyclable, Silicone play rings and tubes are made from food-grade silicone.
What's In The Box
1 Big Box
1 Removable Lid
2 Curved Arms
4 Wood Wheels
2 L Connectors
4 Wood Dowel Small
6 Wood Dowel Medium
6 Wood Dowel Large
4 Swivel Wheels
1 Wood Ball
1 Felt Ball
6 Key Pegs
6 T Pegs
1 Jumping Character
1 Horse Character
1 Standing Character
1 Cross Character
1 Star Character
1 Fish Character
2 Pine Trees
10 Hashtags
3 Cogs
6 Straps
1 Netting Material
22 Silicone Play Rings
2 Connector Tubes
2 Play Tubes
1 Pack of 50 Inspiration Card Designs
Inspiration Community
The Nüdel Pod includes a full pack of inspirational cards (approximately 50) but it also links to a website library, which will be constantly growing as Nüdel Pod owners find more configurations. Community members can even submit their own ideas and learn from others. We can’t wait to see what the Pod Squad Community dreams up!
Assembly
The Nüdel Pod comes assembled, except for the two top handles. We have not assembled the handles because it significantly decreases the size of the box for shipping which saves our customers money. The good news is that the handles simply slide in place only one way, the holes are pre-drilled and require only four screws in total. Assembly of the two handles takes about two minutes (and you never have to do it again). The Nüdel Pod comes with the four screws and a small screwdriver so it easily goes together.
Shipping Estimates
The Nüdel Pod will ship worldwide.
The shipping cost to your specific location will be determined after a successful campaign.
Please note that these are ESTIMATES and it is impossible at this stage to really nail down absolute figures for lots of reasons, the main reason is that we just don’t know how many people we will be shipping to for each country. For countries with over 20 Nüdel Pod orders, bulk sea freight is possible which lowers the price, otherwise we will need to ship one box at a time.
At this time, the following countries have enough customers where we can ship in bulk to them:
USA, Australia, Canada, UK and New Zealand.
All other countries will be shipped directly to the individual by express which will increase the cost somewhat, but they will arrive faster.
At this stage here is some indicative shipping pricing for getting the Nüdel Pod to our amazing growing community.
It's important to note that 1 Nüdel Pod is NOT a small OR light object. Each packaged Nüdel Pod weighs approximately 10 kg (22 lbs) and the packaging measures around 65 cm in length, 26 cm in width, and 16 cm in height (approximately 7" x 11" x 25”).
With this information, we estimate shipping costs to be the following:
(Please take careful note of the currencies on the prices)
Australia:
AU$30 - AU$70 with most capital cities being between AU$35 and AU$45.
(See also below about picking up from our office in Melbourne, Vic).
New Zealand:
AU$90 - AU$100 shipped from Australia.
USA:
US$25 - US$65 with most capital cities delivering between US$30 - US$40.
Canada:
US$70 - US$80 shipping from LA.
For all other countries, we anticipate shipping costs of between AU$80- AU$350 (the upper part of this range is to cover some REALLY unexpected countries in the VIP Pod Squad like Fiji, for example!).
Again, other than Australia and the USA, it’s extremely difficult to predict the number of orders from other countries, until the campaign is completed. What we can say, though, is that the shipping price will decrease the more people we have signed up in each country because we can then do a bulk sea shipment which starts around 20 orders per country. So please, please, please spread the word about the Nüdel Pod among your family and friends in your local area.
Please note: these prices do not include any additional taxes that may be levied by government authorities on arrival to your country.
NOTE: You will NOT pay for shipping in the kickstarter campaign. We will be getting in touch with you after the campaign to collect shipping and will be completely open to changing the address to a lower cost location (for example, for our Fijian friends, we could ship to your friend in Australia who could then take the Nüdel Pod with them to Fiji to meet with you. We will do everything we can to make this work.)
Local Pick Up in Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Lastly, there are a number of people who have requested whether they can pick up the pod from our office in Melbourne and this is also possible. Once we have received delivery we will be locking in some dates for people to pick up locally as well.
Meet The Mind Behind Nüdel
The Nüdel Pod represents a 15-year journey in maximising the opportunity for children to learn the foundational skills to thrive. We are global play and learning experts on a mission to provide parents with the tools they need to help their children develop into their true, creative selves.
Our Nüdel Co-Designer
Emma Ribbens is one of the best children’s product designers from Belgium. Her idea generation, concepts, sketches and passion are second to none. Below are some of the early concepts that came from design meetings between Marcus and Emma.
Our Story
Production process, risks, challenges, and environmental commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we ship to?
At this time, the following countries have enough customers where we can ship in bulk to them:
USA, Australia, Canada, UK and New Zealand.
All other countries will be shipped directly to the individual by express which will increase the cost somewhat, but they will arrive faster.
What age range is the Nüdel Pod suitable for?
The Nüdel Pod has been independently safety tested for ages 12 months plus to Global Toy Standards.
What is the expected load limit?
All configurations have been tested up to 50kg. If you happen to have a particularly large child, there are lots of ways that you can reconfigure elements to make them even stronger by adding additional arms or pieces.
Does the Nüdel Pod come varnished to protect the natural finish?
The Nüdel Pod comes with a beautiful sanded timber finish. No nasties, as we know how much children like to put things in their mouths even if they’re not newborns.
Will you be able to buy replacement parts as kids inevitably lose or break things?
There are lots of spares in the kit with the assumption that the occasional piece will be temporarily missed placed under the couch, but yes, spare parts will be available in the future.
Will the Nüdel Pod come with an instruction booklet with ideas of things to build to get their imaginations flowing?
Yes, the Nüdel Pod comes with an instruction manual. Along with this will be a cute 'deck of cards' where each card has a different configurations with instructions about how to safely build your own constructions.
It will also come with some extra blank cards that can be used as part of the play. Children can write down their own list of ideas, but these cards can also be used to jam between the parts to create a really tight fit if that’s what the children want. In addition, you don’t really need to have instructions because your child and yourself will create so many of their own unique configurations.
How many children can play with the Nüdel Pod simultaneously?
It depends on how big or small the configurations they are building. The Pod has enough parts to simultaneously build big and small designs at the same time.
How many generations will the Nüdel Pod last?
I guess it all depends on how rambunctious your kids are but we hope...many!
I think it looks great in its raw colour but how inviting is that to young children?
This is actually very deliberate. We have had thousands of children using our existing products the Nüdel Kart and Nüdel Rover which also have a very spare colour palette, and attraction without colour has never been issue.
Yes, competing with casino like screens, flashing, noisy toys is not easy in the short-term but these toys usually only have one single use which becomes extremely boring very quickly. After this time, things like the Nüdel Pod will be where children return to because they offer deep flow state stimulation for their brain where they can create and re-create new and exciting play narratives every day.
The special sauce is the open-ended endlessly connectable design using so many different sensory materials. not the colour.
It looks like lot of work to keep taking it apart and remaking it until our child is able to do it alone?
The Nüdel Pod can be taken apart to use within seconds, and to assemble only takes a minute with all loose parts being placed into the main box and you don't need to pack it up the same way we show - you can find your own way that suits you. Children love assembling the pieces on their own as there are billions of simple configurations. Posting pieces into the box, rolling the ball around the grooves in the box base, putting pieces in the puzzle, stacking pieces on a stick and so on. A child will do this work on their own. Next, the configurations are made from large pieces and are quick to make but lastly, yes, the Nüdel Pod is a connection tool and when children are young they seek constant connection with us. The good news is that the Nüdel Pod makes this connection process creative and enjoyable instead of repetitive and monotonous.
My children chew on their toys. How strong is this product?
The Nüdel Pod is made from extremely robust materials like food grade silicon which is very similar to the material that a children’s dummy is made from and children love to chew on these endlessly. In all ways, we have tried to create every part in a way that will stand up to all of the usual rigours of very energetic playing. Not only that, but the entire product is natural and non-toxic, and so your children will not be mouthing plastics and other things that you don’t want in their mouths.
What is a single use toys?
Most toys have a single use. They are designed to do one thing-for example, roll a car down a track. Some children will spend lots of time doing this as an entertaining task and that’s fine but it’s not great development. Children’s brains are neophilic. In simple terms, this just means their brains, love, new experiences, and for good reason, new experiences create new and different connections in the brain.
The Nüdel Pod has the ability to make billions of connections in real life, which helps to make those billions of connections in the brain. Most toys simply are not designed to make these connections and that’s why they become boring very quickly because the child seeks new experiences to develop more.
Does the Nüdel Pod need assembly?
The Nüdel Pod comes assembled, except for the two top handles. We have not assembled the handles because it significantly decreases the size of the box for shipping which saves our customers money.
The good news is that the handles simply slide in place only one way, the holes are pre-drilled and require only four screws in total. Assembly of the two handles takes about two minutes (and you never have to do it again). The Nüdel Pod comes with the four screws and a small screwdriver so it easily goes together.
Important Information & Warranty
Warning: This product can cause injury if not used safely. Supervise children at all times.
Nüdel Pod has been designed for children aged 1+. Children under the age of 12 months should not be permitted to engage in play with the Nüdel Pod.
- Take into consideration the maximum number of users (2).
- Take into consideration the maximum weight restrictions (50kg unless marked).
- The Nüdel Pod is designed to be used indoors or outdoors in dry conditions.
- Use on a flat ground, clear of obstructions.
- Always supervise children and assess risk (www.nudelkart.com/nk-risk-benefit-assessment for more information on Risk Benefit Assessment and access to our template.)
- Wipe the Nüdel Pod clean after use.
- Active use of the Nüdel Pod must always be supported by the presence of an adult.
- Serious injury may result as a consequence of not following this information.
The Nüdel Pod requires active supervision and risk assessment. The Nüdel Pod can be configured in millions of different ways and so might present different risks and hazards to different ages of children, with varying levels of competency and development.
Damaged parts must be discarded, repaired or replaced before reuse. Failure to properly inspect and repair may result in serious injury.
You can also restock with Nüdel Pod spare parts at www.nudelpod.com
Your Nüdel Pod is made from natural timber and not designed to be used in wet, excessively humid or moist conditions and should not be left outside overnight.
Regularly inspect all parts for signs of visible damage or wear and tear that indicates a broken or weakened part. Damaged parts must be removed from a child's reach, discarded, repaired or replaced.
Take care when using Nüdel Pod with other equipment or with objects other than those supplied – assessment of additional risk is essential. Go to the website at www.nudelkart.com/nk-risk-benefit-assessment.
User Guide - Playground Ideas One (1) Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
1. Manufacturer’s warranty details
We warrant our products against defects in materials and workmanship when used normally in accordance with our Terms of Use for a period of one (1) year from the date of original retail purchase by the end-user purchaser (Warranty Period). Our Terms of Use can be found on our website here: https://www.nudelkart.com/terms-of-use.html.
If during the Warranty Period you submit a claim to us in accordance with this warranty, we will:
- repair or replace the part using new or previously used parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability;
- replace the product with the same model formed from new and/or previously used parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or
- exchange the product for a refund of your purchase price.
Before receiving a repair, replacement or refund under the terms of this warranty, we may require that you provide proof of purchase details and respond to questions designed to assist with diagnosing potential issues.
The product will need to be returned to us at the customers expense.
This is offered in addition to the statutory guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law.
2. What this means for you: Our products …
2.1. … are designed to be long-lasting
Our products are designed for active use in many settings, including both indoors and outdoors. Our products are made from durable materials and are designed to be long-lasting, even with heavy use. They are primarily made from AAA grade plywood, food grade silicon and other durable materials.
Please refer to our Terms of Use and manuals for more information on our expectations concerning the use, supervision, construction and pack-up of the product. These manuals contain important information to ensure product longevity.
As noted above, our warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. This does not include damage caused by:
- operating the product outside the Terms of Use, including by accident, abuse, misuse or other external cause; or
- normal wear and tear due to the normal aging of the product (for example, cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, scuffing, dents or chips).
2.2. … are intended to be maintained
Everything in our product is easily maintainable. Our product is like a car. With regular maintenance it will give you faithful service day after day.
Our products are not designed to be used in wet conditions. If the Pod experiences long periods of sunlight, moisture or humidity it may need the edges to be sanded to maintain its longevity. If you experience this or any other damage that cannot be repaired, please get in contact with us and we will advise you of possible maintenance solutions. This condition is designed to increase the pods life and listen it’s impact on the environment and the waste stream
2.3. … come with many individual parts
As our product is made up of separate and individual pieces, and includes multiple additional spare critical parts required for Pod pack up and loose parts play, it is not rendered unusable if a single part becomes damaged or lost. It is likely that a repair or replacement of a single piece will fix the problem and use is more appropriate in most circumstances.
If you experience a broken piece, please get in contact with us. We will ask you to either: send back the broken piece and we will assess the piece for a repair or replacement, or just send us a photo. In the meantime, the remaining pieces are still fully usable as intended.
3. Our promise to you
We want our customers to have the best possible experience with our products. We are here to help you through any questions or queries you may have, including by organising repairs, replacements or further training on how best to use our products.
If you have any concerns regarding our products, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at pod@nudel.shop or https://nudel.shop/pages/contact
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
