Toy Design Research

We've been busy!

2006-05-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

Over the past three weeks a lot has happened. We user tested our prototype with four children ages 3-8, we build a refined prototype, and we presented our concepts to Mattel and Fisher Price.

Our user testing went well. What we found was that our original estimate for age was off. We had originally thought that ages four and up would be able to use the toy. However, when we let the kids play with it it was obvious that the 6 and 8 year old users were the only ones in the group of four who could comprehend the task.

Additionally, one nice thing that cam out of testing was seeing how fast people (who weren't us) could use the toy. Also, seeing the 'challenge' which is inherent in anything which takes mastery was unanticipated bonus. An example of this was seen as soon as our 6yr old participant figured out how to pass level one and our 8yr or participant was still trying to figure it out. There became an immediate competitive atmosphere to the game play which was not anticipated when we were designing this.

Based on earlier feedback our new prototype has translucent panels on the outside which let other see what's going on. The cube glows when the user tilts the cube in any given direction. The addition of all super bright LEDS also enhances the experience visually.

Our presentation to Mattel/Fisher price earlier this week went well. Our biggest criticism is that the play pattern still is very Simon like and, yes, the game play is very similar. However, the presentation went smoothly, our prototype works and in the end we achieved our goals of attempting to improve on this classic. We incorporated a full range of motion for interaction, we've enhanced the sound, and have laid the ground work for testing what the toy could be like if they was communication between multiple devices.

If you're interested, you can download the presentation. And if you're really bored you can watch the highlight reel from our user testing as well. The Light Box has been accepted in the Spring Show. This week we're refining the prototype even further and working on debugging the networking components. It you want to try it look for us at the show!

Prototype Photos :: 04.17.06

2006-04-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

Light Box - Presentation for Mattel

2006-03-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Light Box presentation documentation can be downloaded here.

Data Transmission proof of concept

2006-03-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

As a proof of concept for the transmission and reception of the Light Box's programmable pattern, Easy Radio transceiver were setup. Simple button input was used for controlled testing. Serial data was transfered successfully using the transceivers and a PIC microprocessor.

Light Box High Level Overview

2006-03-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

I recently put together a high level overview of the Light box. In the parts department the Easy Radio transceiversand the accelerometers came in. I haven't had a chance to set them up yet but am looking forward to early next week.

Light Box

2006-03-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

Light Box is a toy prototype which aims to challenge memory, build motor skills and encourage social interaction between two players. When played by one person, patterns of light are generated sequentially by the box. The player must recreate the pattern by tilting the box in one of four directions. When played by one player the Light Box is similar to Simon Says. However, when the Light Box is played with by two people each player takes and active role in the creation of the light sequence. The sequence or pattern can be transferred from one player to another by 'tossing' the light from one box to another.

The photos below are material research studies Anh and I did over the weekend. The blue leds are much brighter and smaller too.

The Kid Mang Story Helmut

2006-03-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

The Kid Mang Story Helmut is based on the comic character Kid Mang. The helmut fosters make believe, curiosity, and exploration through interaction with objects and an the comic itself. More in for on our preliminary ideas can be found here.

Welcome to Toy Design

2006-03-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

Toy design is a class Anh and I are in. We've been working together for the past few weeks and think it would be a good idea to document our, research, findings, trials and tribulations.