Press reversible tracks into the easel to roll, spin, hop and drop marbles through any course you engineer.
For moms, we heard again and again that grow-with-me & multi-use features were critical, so the product doubles an art easel complete with a reversible chalkboard & whiteboard. And the entire toy is height adjustable. It can be collapsed flat for storage, and only requires 10 thumb screws for assembly out of box, no tools necessary.
Was lead designer, user researcher, project manager, sampling lead, packaging designer for this product -- so fun!
process
1. INSPIRATION
Little kids love watching marbles roll, drop, spin, hop through those big awesome tracks -- and it's a great way for them to learn cause and effect. Unfortunately, most marble tracks on the market are too difficult for little ones to engage with.
I tested a number of on the market track systems with varying ages, and I found that most opted for a not terrible tactile experience or reliable functionality. Interviewing a lot parents revealed that setting up, tearing down, and storing the mazes were also a big pain point. Often literally, if barefoot. I was convinced material and form factor could transform the experience.
2. VALIDATION PROTOTYPE
3. DEVELOPMENT
4. PRODUCTION
KiwiCo specializes in small, hands on STEAM projects, and despite having never designed or manufactured anything this large, wooden, or traditionally 'toy' before, we were excited to test our brand promise of "inspiring creative confidence" in a new market, in time for the 2019 holiday. Something extra phenomenal about KiwiCo, Inc: the company leads with enthusiasm. Not with price point, not with market segment, but enthusiasm about the experience for kids. I got the greenlight to start designing end of May '19, and by December '19 the product was arriving in homes
To meet the demanding schedule (concept to shipping out in 6 months), I traveled onsite to work directly with our manufacturing partners in China during early production. It was great to get on the factory floor to adjust jigs, request logistical changes to keep product clean, and adjust my design to better suit the tools on hand.
Keyshot renders!
