Woodland Beats
Toy Product Design
Overview
The goal of this project was to design a fun toy that teaches an important learning concept that is age appropriate for a 4,5, or 6 year old child. The toy must be designed to be age-appropriate, fun, and fit the scale of the child.
Woodland Beats was designed to foster cognitive learning through numbers, colors, rhythm and sequence. Embark on a musical forest adventure alongside a vibrant cast of characters as the enchanting story unfolds, expanding your knowledge and imagination along the way
Class: Sophomore Studio
Fall 2022, 6-week solo project
Tools used:
3D printer
Laser Cutter
Vinyl Cutter
Sander and Bandsaw
Programs used:
Fusion 360
Procreate
Target User
I conducted target user research about 5-year-old children to better understand their behaviors, interests, and developmental needs. This helped ensure the learning toy I designed would be engaging, age-appropriate, and effectively support their cognitive development.
Research
I conducted general research on the concept of "play" and analyzed the toy market to understand what types of toys successfully engage and educate children. This helped me design a learning toy that not only aligns with how children naturally learn through play but also stands out in a competitive market.
Design Objective
To design a toy for 5 year-olds that promotes cognitive learning through creative or strategic means, while being masked behind the curtain of fun and spontaneity.
Chosen Concept
I wanted to focus on a concept that was fun, easy to understand, and met all of my teaching goals: numbers, colors, rhythm and sequence. By following along with the sequence, the child also learns their numbers and colors.
App Prototype Video
The app prototype showcases the initial concept, but the final one would feature distinct storylines tailored to each character. Different levels would feature gradually increasing drumming difficulty as the child got more comfortable with the gameplay.
Final Product Pictures
The final prototype was made from laser cut wood, 3D printed drums, and vinyl decals. The drum sticks were crafted from high density foam
