tot's tales
a child's toy
Embedded Files
design goals
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With the toy industry being so vast and varied, it was important to figure out what I specifically wanted to achieve with this design. I was inspired by Montessori toys when making these goals.
RESEARCH / /
target market
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Each age group has their own distinct wants and needs, even when it comes to toys and play styles. This project focuses on 3-5 year olds.
RESEARCH / /
inspiration
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Now that I understood my target market, I began to look for toys that matched their play style. My focus was mainly on sensory toys and “pretend play” toys.
NOAH / Child / Age 4
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Likes to play with puzzles and enjoys playing “dress up”
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Loves animals and playing with her pet dog
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Only child but enjoys playing with others
JOEL / Dad / Age 33
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Values creativity and sustainability
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Wants a toy that will last a long time and won’t only be played with once
RESEARCH / /
personas
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From my research, I created personas of the child (the user) and the parent (the one with purchasing power). Both are stakeholders and need to be considered when designing. I came back to these user profiles to make sure I accommodated their needs.
IDEATION / /
sketches
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I began with sensory toys, puzzles and other simple toys which are common for 3-5 year olds. I eventually chose a wooden storybook concept because of its potential for various play situations.
PROCESS / /
refinement
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I then refined my concept and brought in more user-friendly features. I also explored what themed groups of toys could be made. For the mechanisms and proportions, I experimented with a simple prototype.
PROCESS / /
mechanisms
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The toy has a relatively simple construction with pegs that hold together the spine and covers and allow it to open like a real book. To keep the pages secured to one another and the covers, there are magnets inset at each corner. There are mesh pockets to keep the pieces in their designated storage compartments.
PROCESS / /
materials
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The materials I used had to be not only be sustainable but also suitable to use on toys as toys’ materials must be safe and durable. It was also important that the materials I used fit into a natural and friendly aesthetic.
PROCESS / /
graphic elements
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For the different themes, I mocked up a few pieces from each set. I went with a simple but colorful style.
The pieces are made to be with a certain theme which matches a “page” from the book. However, the child can bring pieces from other sets when playing and create imaginative play sessions.
PROCESS / /
user journey
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This user scenario takes you through a playtime session from beginning to end.
FINAL SOLUTION / /
tot's tales
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Tot’s Tales is a wooden storybook intended for children ages 3 - 5. It is made up of four wooden pages that each have their own theme and are magnetized to the covers. Bookmark tabs helps user take out pages to play with them. Inside each cover there are themed compartments that match with the pages. These compartments house pieces that go with each of the themes.
The pieces have symbols on the bottom which allow the child to practice their matching when returning their pieces back to the correct compartment. The variety of themes allow for the child to use their imagination and create unique stories.
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