Prototyping Play

In our first class of the Fall 2015 season we asked children at TP Loblaw Boys and Girls Club to design toys for toddlers. The goal for this intro. session is to have fun prototyping (building a model version of an invention). We want them to turn their ideas into something tangible and to get comfortable with construction. 

All of our students invented toys with the senses in mind. Out  of a large mound of materials, emerged a twisting fur rattle, a wearable play centre, a whole collection of colourful crib toys, a bug twister, a mini golf set and a toddler music zone. 

                                           Here's a colourful hand rattle. 

This music zone toy, evolved as a team effort over the course of the hour long session. The inventors were careful to consider safety elements -the xylophone is squishy with soft wackers. This class introduces the kids to the concept that inventions and designs are for someone: the "user". When we're designing for someone else- it's a good idea to think about who they are and what they need or want. Better still ask them! The students had a lot of enthusiasm for this project because many of them have little sisters and brothers. So in this case empathy and understanding of the user come naturally.

This wearable toy monopolized on the fun factor. The striped cloak is decorated with knotted foam bits and crunchy mylar. The furry headband includes plenty of textured elements to explore with little fingers.

This rotating fur rattle incorporates moveable textured knobs and a reflective base.

And here's the bug stick. Baby has a selection of brightly coloured balls to twist and a bonus fly to chew on! This student worked hard to secure the beads onto the stick so that a baby couldn't pull them off.

At the end of the session in our demo time, our students had a chance to reflect on what they have designed. They explain the invention concept and why it will be suitable for toddlers. 

Well done kids. Can't wait to see what you invent next!

Toddler Time

"Nurturing our kids true potential isn't about making sure they reach some predetermined standards, it's about helping them develop the skills they need so they can create a life that is meaningful and satisfying to them"         

                                                                Eileen Kennedy-Moore, psychologist and author

Our first workshop was a riot of colour, texture and playfulness as we designed toys for babies and toddlers. Out of mounds of material emerged a squid clan, a rotating furry thingamajig, a play dashboard (complete with turnable knobs, steering wheel, ignition knob and clutch!), a kick-mobile, a disco dish, a twistable octo-cone and catching cup and a bouncy fur pet.

These are prototypes -or model designs. The kids have taken this open-ended challenge and invented toys with the senses in mind. In this first class, we let the kids think with their hands. We want them to turn their ideas into something tangible and to get comfortable with a wide range of materials.

In our demo time, everyone did a great job of saying what they liked and what they could improve about their designs. We also talked quite a bit about how these models would have to be adapted in the real manufacturing world, to make them safe for little kids. Some of the boys wanted to know how and when they could start production.

This class introduces the kids to the concept that inventions and designs are for someone: the "user". When we're designing for someone else- it's a good idea to think about who they are and what they need or want. Better still ask them! The students had a lot of enthusiasm for this project because many of them have little sisters and brothers. So in this case empathy and understanding of the user come naturally.

"my brother would love this squid, but he might pull it apart!"

"a toddler would love this because it spins and it's furry"