RISD CE Global Program :
Nuremberg - Toy Design
Course Overview :
In this course, students will discover how to take an idea from concept to prototype as they develop 3 different toy ideas in 3 different toy categories. Their unique product concepts will be based directly on their experiences of living, working and traveling in Nuremberg, Germany, a center of toy creation and toy manufacturing since the Middle Ages. Students will also draw inspiration from their own childhood play, working with two practicing toy designers and current mainstream toys, antique + specialty toys. Students will learn first-hand how important experimentation is to the design process through play sessions, exploring variations of toy ideas in their sketchbooks and tinkering with sketch models. Using toys as a design platform, students will learn how to efficiently and effectively generate viable product ideas and then how to clearly and understandably present their original concepts to their peers and to design professionals. Students will also learn about the design process, various prototype techniques, relevant toy categories and child development stages.
Instructors : Bobbi & Brian Jarvis
Project I : Push / Pull Toy for Toddlers
Design an original push or pull toy for toddlers inspired by the sights and sounds of the city of Nuremberg!
Requirements:
1. Use at least 50% recycled or repurposed materials to construct prototype
2. Toy needs to have at least one fun/surprise/magic/animated feature as the toy is propelled along. Kid power is free!
3. Toy needs to have at least one fun/surprise/magic feature that can be activated when child is sitting next to toy.
4. Toy needs to be the right size for a toddler
5. Toddler needs to be able to work the toy with one hand
6. Features should make sense with theme
7. Toy should look fun and be fun to play with!
Project II : Animal Themed Nerf Blaster
Design an original animal-themed blaster for ages 6+up* that has a compelling role-play story behind the play.
Requirements:
1. Final blaster design may shoot a foam dart or ball
2. Toy needs to have a fun play pattern supported by an interesting role-playing story
3. Toy may include other props such as targets
4. Features should make sense with theme
5. Name of toy should sound fun, describe the play and be memorable
6. Toy should look fun and be fun to play with!
Project III : Super hero / villain food play
Design an original candy toy with a simple mechanism or feature within a given theme [ Super Hero / Villain ]
Requirements:
1. Toy includes a small amount of candy or food
2. Candy can be refillable but not required
3. Toy needs to be shelf demonstrable
4. Toy needs to look like it is part of a line of products by utilizing style guide
5. Features should make sense with theme
6. Needs to fit into display unit
7. Toy should look fun and be fun to play with!
