Toniis is a three part design that gives children with abnormal muscle tone an increased sense of proprioception, which is the awareness of one’s own body.
Abnormal muscle tone, including both hypertonia and hypotonia, is a condition that limits the physical ability of young children by decreasing their range of motion. Unlike typically developing children, these children do not have access to their surrounding environment. Each one of the Toniis is meant to give them a heightened sensory experience while making sure that they have fun at the same time.
As the pieces are used in stages, one after the other, each one’s ability to move is increased from the previous design. As the child progresses and gains further movement, the designs do as well. In this way, an emotional connection is developed as the product tracks the child’s milestones with its own actions.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Pediatric rheumatology; Muscle strength; Physical education and training
Industrial Design (MFA)
Department, Program, or Center
School of Design (CIAS)
Beer, Liana, "Toniis: Design that has a positive impact on children with abnormal muscle tone." (2015). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from
RIT – Main Campus