Spark Children’s Toy
A children’s toy for emotional growth
There has been a new focus on emotional health in recent generations, along with a focus on sustainability. Through the use of natural materials, pose-ability, and a story book, Spark engages parents in the process of teaching their children about their emotions. Spark focuses on both of these trends, hoping to help bridge the gap between parents and children.
Inspired by my sister in law
Meet Gabs! When Gabs was little, she would often hide how she was feeling if she was feeling hurt and upset. She often had a difficult time expressing how she was feeling to her parents. As I started working on this project, I thought ways a toy could help her better express and learn about her emotions.
Quick Sticky Note Sketches
For the very first part of the ideation process, I worked through quick sticky note sketches. This was a way for me to quickly gathering a large number of ideas and then from there, to distilled down what values I wanted for my toy.
There’s a trend towards sustainability.
Sustainability is becoming a very popular trend and value for many families. A feature of this shift is a movement away from plastic, and towards more natural materials.
Emotional
Along with being playful, this toy will help children learn about and express their emotions.
Sustainable
Through the use of natural materials this toy will encourage sustainability and stand out from common plastic toys.
Involves Parents
This toy also helps teach parents about emotions and helps start conversations through involving them in the process.
How might we create a kids toy that teaches kids about their emotions, uses natural materials, and engages parents in the process?
Concept Iteration
Spark
Children’s Toy
Features
Conversational
Story Book
The story of Spark and His Donuts engages parents in the learning process with their children. It also acts as a catalyst for conversation between parent and child. Questions throughout the book give parents starting points for conversations about mental health and emotions with their kids.
Emotional Expressions
Spark also helps children express how they’re feeling. Spark acts as a translator, expressing three common emotions that the child can then learn, and also express through the toy.
Spark is happy with his donut!
By pressing in his arms, Spark “hugs” his donut and his wings will flap.
Spark is angry without his donut!
By pushing his ears back, Spark’s tongue moves in and out of his mouth.
Spark is sad with his donut gone!
When Spark sees his donut is gone, his head falls forward, showing he is sad.
Bonding through Play
Sit
Walk
Fly
To add another level of play, Spark’s limbs can be manipulated so he can walk, fly, or move a number of different ways. This expands the child’s imagination and encourages bonding between them and the toy.
Emotional
Spark’s emotional expressions encourage growth of the child’s own emotions.
Sustainable
The use of wood as the main material encourages a more sustainable mindset.
Involves Parents
Through the supportive storybook parents are engaged in the learning process.
Any questions about this project? Or want to get to know me more? I’m happy to answer! Please reach out!