15 Physical Toys
Designed 15 Toys with 30+ activities to be played with them
50k Units Sold
Around 20k units for each of the 3 kits were sold within just 3 months
₹50Lacs Revenue
Efficient manufacturing reduced our costs, hence increased the Net Profit
12k+ Good Reviews
Very high response on feedback calls, received lots of good remaks
About 25% of customers do not like activities that try to replace a physical connection with gardens or parks. Therefore, this kit was designed to have more developmental learning such as counting & memory, and still have activities like indoor planting for conceptual.
April Theme Kit
Selected ideas aimed to be original and provide a variety of conceptual learning and developmental learning, which was challenging as the theme is among the most popular in the market. Among others, we selected habitat, food and flying as primary concepts.
February Theme Kit
This activity box was intended to introduce awareness towards the immediate physical environment of the kids. It included identifying and counting doors, windows, and stairs, decorating the house, and building their neighbourhood with shops, hospitals, schools etc.
June Theme Kit
The Tangible Outcomes
During the 6 months with Flintobox, I got complete ownership of building 3 Activity Boxes, including each activity's concept to production files.
This work is licensed under the © Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement of Flinto Learning Solutions Private Limited, a company incorporated in Chennai, India, under the Companies Act, 1956. Flintobox image and Flintobox logo are registered trademarks of Flinto Learning Solutions, Chennai.
No Parts of this project shall be used for or promote any commercial venture. Thank you for your understanding.
Project Duration - 6 Months / July-December 2018 / Sponsored
Members: Saswat Dash, Aakash Johary (Guide), Divya Palaniappan (Design Manager)
Process and Timeline
We used a staggered system design approach for this project. Since the company's processes require monthly outcomes, and the scope to be explored from an academic perspective was extensive, it could not follow a conventional process like the Double-Diamond approach.
While some aspects, such as existing market studies and user testing, were completed for every product, for areas like qualitative research, breadth of exploration, and literature study, we focused on specific times to be more holistically efficient.
Key Learnings
Development in Children
Motor and Cognitive Development:
Motor Skills: During ages 2-5, children experience rapid development of both fine and gross motor skills. Activities that involve stacking, drawing, and basic sports can significantly enhance their coordination and physical strength. Cognitive Skills: This age range is critical for cognitive development, where children start to engage in symbolic thinking, improve their memory, and develop problem-solving abilities. Educational toys that challenge their thinking, such as puzzles and building blocks, are highly beneficial. Language and Social Skills: Children learn to communicate more effectively and understand social norms. Toys that encourage role-playing, storytelling, and social interaction can foster these skills. Play-Based Learning: Play is a crucial aspect of learning at this stage. It promotes exploration, creativity, and learning through experience. Toys that integrate educational concepts with playful activities can enhance learning outcomes.
Role of Parents
Parental Expectations: Parents typically seek toys that not only entertain but also contribute to their child’s development. They value educational benefits and safety. Catering to Development Needs: Parents often engage in activities and choose toys that they believe will support their child's physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Understanding these preferences helps in designing toys that meet both educational and recreational needs.
The Toy Industry
Structure and Trends in the Indian Toy Industry:
Market Overview: The Indian toy industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and a greater emphasis on child development. Current Trends: There is a growing demand for educational and STEM toys, eco-friendly and sustainable products, and technologically integrated toys like interactive and AR-VR toys. Speculated Growth: The market is expected to continue growing, with a focus on innovation, quality, and compliance with safety standards. The 'Make in India' initiative is also encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
Industry Dynamics:
Competitive Landscape: The industry comprises both organized and unorganized sectors, with local manufacturers competing against international brands. Understanding market dynamics helps in positioning a new product effectively. Consumer Preferences: Indian consumers are becoming more discerning, valuing the educational content, safety standards, and cultural relevance of toys. Designs that incorporate these elements are likely to succeed.
Materials & Manufacturing
Optimal Material Choices:
Safety and Durability: The choice of materials is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of toys. Choking hazard test, Non-toxic colours, BPA-free plastics, hardness of wood, and hypoallergenic fabrics are preferred. Aesthetics and Functionality: Materials should not only be safe but also contribute to the toy’s appeal and functionality. Bright, non-fading colours, smooth finishes, and tactile elements enhance user experience. Sustainability: There is an increasing emphasis on using eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. This includes recycled plastics, biodegradable materials, and sustainable wood sources.
Manufacturing Processes:
Efficiency and Quality Control: Clear design specifications ensure that manufacturing processes are efficient and consistent. This includes detailed CAD designs, prototyping, and rigorous quality control measures. Cost Management: Efficient material selection and manufacturing processes help in managing costs without compromising quality. This is essential for maintaining competitive pricing in the market. Scalability: Manufacturing processes need to be scalable to meet growing demand. Modular designs and standardized components can facilitate easier and cost-effective scaling.