Outcome

Build-a-Rocket

Physical Principle:  This toy introduces aerodynamic design at an early age.

How to Play:  Build a really cool and safe model rocket, starting at age 8! This toy gives children ages 8-10 a good introduction to model rocketry and electronic tools while avoiding fire hazards. Kids can choose their rocket design, swap out or custom design fins, and read a basic altimeter that changes between Imperial and Metric unit systems.

Construction Cost: This would hopefully be a relatively cheap construction cost for  a very cool toy. I view this toy as costing about $20-30 to make because of the propulsion system and the altimeter cost. I would need injection molding and laser cutting to build this.

Durability: This toy will take a lot of impact, so a parachute system is vital to its durability. I am also concerned with the rocket getting stuck in trees, as that is a problem I still come across in my model rocketry experiences.

Safety: The only concern I have is the rocket shooting into someone and injuring them. Proper safety precautions should be followed, such as 

What did I learn?  I build higher powered rockets myself, and I wish I had a toy like this when I was younger to teach me real concepts I would use in the future. I learned that many concepts are difficult to actually manufacture or implement, as  I have concerns about how to propel the rocket.

Build a 3D Printer

Physical Principle: Interaction between physical objects and code, basic frame manufacturing skills, experience with small motors

How to Play:  Older kids can get some experience with maker projects and programming. This kit come with some preassembled parts, and an interface and template for the code to control the printer. This is a great middle school or early high school project that has funstionalities of a toy, so it is still entertaining!

Construction Cost: This would probably not be economically viable for a general market. This is much more of a hobby toy, and would probably cost the consumer around $300-400. I would need a table saw/band saw and a 3D Printer to build this.

Durability: 3D printers tend to be very fragile, so this toy would only be appropriate for older kids. They also often have a lot of problems, so patience and troubleshooting are required.

Safety: The only safety concerns would be the extruder head and the heated bed, which both get to very high temperatures in order to melt the plastic.

What did I learn? This idea came from my own experience of building a 3D printer from scratch.

Play Plate!

Physical Principle:  This teaches kids how to balance food groups at an early age, end it encourages healthy eating habits.

How to Play:  Play plate is an interactive game that allows children to assemble a plate of fake food and gives audio feedback based on their food choices.  Parents are also provided with recipes so they can make food for their children based on the plate they assembled.

Construction Cost: This would be a relatively cheap toy to construct, as it is mostly plastic with a sound input. I view this as being a $10-$20 toy. I would probably need injection molding to build this.

Durability: The plastic would need to be solid and durable, and the sound output is battery powered. This toy doesn't have small or fragile parts, so it should be pretty durable.

Safety: This toy should not have many safety concerns as long as it is made with safe plastic and large parts to prevent choking.

What did I learn?  I really wish I had been taught more how to balance my diet as a young kid, so I really like a toy concept with a health and wellness theme. I learned that sometimes its harder than you think to make an educational concept exciting. Play Plate teaches great things, but may not be exciting enough to keep kid's attention.

Overall Reflections

While I was designing these toy ideas, I found that it was quite difficult to design original toys. It's difficult to make sure my ideas are both feasible and interesting for kids to play with. I found it to be much easier working in a group and brainstorming good toy ideas. I was able to mix some of my ideas with my peers' ideas to come up with an interesting and innovative toy design.