KARRI is a technology company based in London and Berlin. Founded in 2023 KARRI believes technology should allow children to learn how to be independent and communicate in a fun and safe way before entering the digital smart world.

The KARRI messenger is a smart Messenger—a child friendly alternative to smartphones for kids 5-13 years old. Voice messages can be sent between the parent’s smartphone app and the child’s KARRI device as well as between different KARRI devices, and chats can be one-on-one or in groups. The device has its own Data SIM and works on all mobile phone networks providing 99% population coverage. GPS functionality shares the location of the child, which can be checked for peace of mind via the app along with battery level and network status. Parents can also create safe areas for their children called Geo-fences and get notifications if they move in and out of them.

After success with their Generation 1 messenger device, KARRI commissioned Pentagram to develop a Generation 2 device fit for the mass-market. Collaborating closely with KARRI, the Pentagram industrial design team followed a research-led process to develop the device, interviewing families and children to understand what they found important and then developing a design that prioritised kids’ ability to use the device independently.

One of the key insights from the research was the need to develop a simple interface for kids to record, listen to and send messages as intuitively as possible. The result is the ‘slide to talk’ button, a single tactile interface for four actions: record, listen, send or delete, inspired by the simplicity of the push to talk button on a traditional walkie talkie, or the slide-to-talk on smartphone communication apps.

The new device has reduced pocket-size dimensions and an LED matrix display that provides simple user feedback and information without becoming a distraction. It allows enhanced functionality such as multiple chat channels and access to device settings, alongside built in functionality with its own flashlight.

The overall design language has been chosen to appeal to the older children in the age range where it can often be a smartphone alternative. Accessories such as a silicone bumper case and lanyard allow it to be carried easily and reference both smartphone accessories and fashion and sportswear.

The design was developed and refined through extensive prototyping and testing, including functional models that allowed the interface to be tested with families to validate the design approach.

The KARRI Generation 2 messenger is on presale at karri.io for launch in early 2026