Swoosh
Swoosh was designed as part of simple mechanical device course in semester IV. It was a concept developed done by me and a friend of mine where we were initially trying to define the term 'toy'. As part of a toy design course, we found an opportunity for ourselves where we firstly defined the users we were targeting and the characteristics of kids that are more likely to use this. It was a concept inspired from the simple mechanism of a ball bearings and the magic car. The design brief for this project was:
“Designing a simple mechanical toy for kids between 3-5 years that fulfils the primary concern of engaging the kid in that particular activity.”
This project helped me evolve tremendously as a designer and helped me understand the importance of the design process. In this project, 3 working mock-ups/prototypes were created in-order to check the mechanism, functionally and the form of the product.
User research
This mind map shows the different user profiles that can be seen in children.
The following user profile was studied in depth.
User profile: Curious kids who always need some physical activity to do and
can spend a lot of time with one toy.
Age: 3 years
He just started going to school and this has created a drastic change from a home environment to a school environment.
He is someone who likes to play with guns, balls, cycles and scooters which makes him a very active kid and likes to do physical activities. He can spend hours riding on his cycle with enthusiasm. He loves movement and is always curious about his environment.
Age: 4.5 years
He is a very talkative child and does not play with toys like small cars, plane and other static toys. He loves riding cycles, loves playing with different balls and is fascinated by water because of its instability and unpredictability. Very curious and always wants to know about how the toy/object works.
Age: 3.5 years
She loves playing pretend games and can spend hours playing it. Playing with blocks, building and constructing using them is one of her favourite pass times. Started learning how to drive a cycle recently and has been obsessed with it lately. Water and the concept of a rolling ball fascinates her.
According to the user study and user profiling done, a market research was conducted that helped us understand the existing competition products available for such kids and potential market areas where we can work. The following market research was conducted at several shops around the city. These shops varied from small scale shops to branded stores where we searched for existing outdoor toys in the market that keep these kind of kids engaged and build their curiosity.
After a detailed market study, there were a few games/toys that specifically addressed this group of kids who are very curious. Categories like aiming toys, mobility, concentration, targeting, shooting, and physically active toys are a few games that keep kids engaged and busy for a long period of time.
Ideations
Mock-ups & prototype
1
Adding the desired functionality to an existing product in order to check the proof of concept. A metal rode was simply welded on the steering wheel rode which was attached with the ball bearing.
2
Creating the skeleton of the product and checking the mechanism. A working prototype of the actual scale. It was made using MS pipes and the concept was later tested by a 5 year old kid. Ergonomical changes were required which were then implemented along with the form changes.
3
Integrating the function and form in the final working prototype. This was made using flexible ply wood and a metal strip. Ball bearings were used for the leg control and the magic wheels were used in the front for the back-and-forth motion to take place.
Working pictures
Final Product
Designed by Danisha Mehta & Nirja Shiroya