Mini Movers : Modular Wooden Blocks
Mini Movers is a multi-use educational toy for two to three-year-olds that teaches developmental skills by allowing the user to mix and match five wooden modular cars–the convertible, sedan, truck, jeep, and minivan. Each car is made up of three parts: the front, back, and a singular base which all attach via magnets. The user can create five new cars with fifteen different possibilities by mixing and matching the front and back parts to the car's base. The base has two numbers labeled in the front and back which correspond to car pieces, signifying the correct combination of the car. While piecing the cars together, the user can learn about numbers, colors, and form. This project was created through woodworking and took inspiration from Frobel’s Gifts, the world’s first educational toy.
Project Overview
Design Statement
Design, market, and test a multi-use educational toy that teaches a developmental skill.
Target Consumer
Parents (purchasers) and 24-36 month Toddlers (end users).
Problem Statement
Most parents expect their children to be able to walk, talk, sing, count, and recite their ABCs before they enter elementary school. A growing demand is being placed on infants and toddlers to develop their cognitive abilities and fine motor skills during the first 3 years of life. As a child approaches 2 years of age they begin to explore the world around them, and quickly develop cognitive skills. Use this curiosity to engage the child and teach key developmental skills.
Hard Skills Used
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Orthographic sketching
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Rhino 3D
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Woodworking
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Metalworking
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Thermoforming
1
Background Research
& Interview Research
2
Market Research
& Research of rules and regulations
3
Persona
& Observational Research
4
Product Design Specification
Final Product Design Specification
Final Presentation
