Veggies Toy

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Veggies is a set of toys developed for children between 2 to 5 years old, aiming to stimulate outdoor play. The goal is to enhance children's curiosity for exploring nature as well as their ability of socialization with other kids and adults. Unlike what the toy industry offers today, Veggies stands out for being a toy that does not reinforce gender stereotypes. Also, this set was designed to promote suitable and engaging play for children at a very wide and non-conventional range of age.

Dimensions & Packaging

Carrot toy dimensions: D 60 mm x H 155 mm
Beet toy dimensions: D 80 mm x H 105 mm
Onion toy dimensions: D 80 mm x H 80 mm
Potato toy dimensions: L 90 mm x W 70 mm x H 105 mm
Carrot foliage part: L 70 mm x W 12 mm x H 135 mm
Beet foliage part: L 80 mm x W 12 mm x H 135 mm
Onion foliage part: L 110 mm x W 12 mm x H 135 mm
Potato foliage part: L 110 mm x W 12 mm x H 135 mm
Children-size shovel handle: L 135 mm x W 38 mm x H38 mm
Adult-size shovel handle: L 185 mm x W 40 mm x H 40 mm
Shovel heads: L 72 mm x W 40 mm x H 125 mm

Tags

veggies, toy, outdoor, kids, emotional design, product design

Production Technology

The test prototype was 3D printed in PLA. After smoothing the plastic surface, the set was painted on the desired colors. Considering a more sustainable solution for the real product, the parts would be made of disposable plastic, grounded into grains and poured inside molds for the injection process. This process allows a mix of different plastics at the same time (polypropylene, PET, nylon, among others), as well as the addition of color pigments, and resistance and durability additives.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge of this project was to develop a product that was resistant enough for the external environment conditions. The toy would be exposed to elements such as water, sand and earth, so choosing the right materials and fabrication process was key for the success of this project. In addition, children are unpredictable, so it was also important to study toy safety legislation in order to come up with a product that was safe for kids to create their own way to play.

Project Duration

The project started in August 2017 and finished in November 2017 at Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói, RJ - Brazil.

Operation Flow

The standard set has 4 toy vegetables (carrot, beet, onion and potato) and 2 shovels (one kids-size, one adult-size) with 3 different interchangeable heads. The vegetables are split in two pieces, so children can add small stones and shells and have a sensorial play with sound and vibration. In addition, the foliage parts are interchangeable, promoting different configurations for the vegetables. The set also allows hide and seek play as well as make-believe, since the child can bury/dig up the toy vegetables in the sand/earth.

Research

Veggies was based on a research about children's development. Data from toy manufactures, experts and doctors was collected to know what kind of play, activity and challenges were appropriate for each age. This information led the development of concepts that promote engaging play experiences. Studies related emotional design were also important on the development of the user experience. This project demanded questionnaires and interviews with 30 potential users/consumers for better understanding of the market segment and competitive price points. Veggies was tested in field with a 2-year old child in order to validate the final design in real conditions. Beside the fun experience, the toy surprisedly engage the toddler on learning the vegetable related vocabulary, activity that was not expected during the design development process.

Inspiration

The inspiration for this outdoor toy came from the need to reconnect families from the urban centers to the natural landscapes of their own cities. Through this analog and simple experience, Veggies also promotes creative play and safe family environments where children feel comfortable of sharing experiences with their relatives. In addition, this set of toys aims to teach children how to take care of their own food, encouraging the new generations to build a more sustainable living future.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Tatiana Ferrucio Ferreira, Veggies photoshoot, 2017.
Image #2: Photographer Tatiana Ferrucio Ferreira, Veggies photoshoot, 2017.
Image #3: Photographer Tatiana Ferrucio Ferreira, Veggies photoshoot, 2017.
Image #4: Photographer Tatiana Ferrucio Ferreira, Veggies photoshoot, 2017.
Image #5: Photographer Tatiana Ferrucio Ferreira, Veggies photoshoot, 2017.

Colors of Veggies Toy