Madyson Webb - ARC Puzzle

The Ohio State University, Second-Year Design Class, DESIGN 3101 (AU20)

Instructed by: Dr. Hazal Gumus Ciftci

Solo Project: Madyson Webb

DESIGN CHALLENGE: Design a socially responsible toy for an NGO.

NGO TOY CHALLENGE: Design a toy that Advocates, Teaches, and Encourages (A.T.E) neurodivergent & neurotypical children Equality and Independence.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

During this project, I was tasked with learning the basics of designing a product. This included conducting research and finding insights, high fidelity sketches communicating all critical product features and design process, prototyping, and a product lifecycle scenario: persona and usage scenario for a toy design that is based in an NGO and targets a certain group of users.

DESIGN PROCESS

NGO RESEARCH

The Arc's mission is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by building a future of inclusive work, play, worship, community, travel, and more.

Photo from The Arc Website

CORE VAULES: People First, Equity, Community, Self-Determination, & Diversity

MARKET RESEARCH

Through market research, I was able to look up toys I believed to suit the NGO's message. I decided to look at puzzles since most neurodiverse people identify with the puzzle symbol. Here I was able to discover gaps in the market. Most puzzles in the market nowadays do not aim to advocate outside the neurodiverse community and challenge children that are neurodiverse.

MAIN THEMES: Equality, Self- Determination, Advocate/ Educate

CONCEPT SKETCHES

Concept 1: Sensory Ball Interchangeable Obstacle Course

Concept 2: Sensory Puzzle Maze

Iteration Form & Puzzle Ideas

I decided on a circular form due to the lack of this form in the market when it comes to puzzles

Persona of a neuro-divergent girl

FINALIZED CONCEPT SKETCHES

STORYBOARD

MOCK-UPS

1st mock-up puzzle

Laser cutting traditional puzzle design

Testing fit of laser cut puzzle

Drawing dot puzzle

Painting sliding puzzle

Painting 3D pieces with purple acrylic paint

During the mock-up phase, I practiced creating the 3D model in Solidworks, laser-cutting techniques, and hand-painting. This phase was super helpful in learning new techniques and practicing new software and machines.

SOLIDWORKS MODELING