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Press Kit

Unique Properties

The new Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC Controller delivers the excitement of RC play to core fans, yet is inclusive of new users who may have a variety of unique mobility and dexterity needs.

Dimensions & Packaging

95mm x 42mm x 68mm (measured from the controller battery door to the thumbsticks).

The vehicle dimensions that will work with this controller vary, but will be included with models ~ 350mm long x 200mm wide x 200mm tall.

Tags

accessibility, inclusivity, play, design, inclusive design, user centered design, human centered design, special needs, empower, fun

Production Technology

Human Centered Design methodologies were employed to put Hot Wheels RC’s target users at the center of the design work. Extensive user-testing, idea iteration and additional validation practices were followed to ensure exciting RC play can be delivered to both existing audiences and users with special needs.

Design Challenge

The challenge was to deliver exciting RC play that is easy and fun for all abilities. This meant maintaining fun and intuitive RC controls for existing Hot Wheels RC audiences while expanding usability to fans with a variety of mobility and dexterity needs. Understanding that not everyone plays the same way presents the challenge of identifying core barriers to play that exist for a wide range of users, and addressing them all inclusively. Challenge Accepted.

Research

The Accessible Play Challenge was launched across Mattel Design teams and was judged by Design leadership. Winning concepts, like the HW Monster Truck RC Controller, then entered into a Design Sprint phase, which required divergent brainstorming, interviews with subject matter experts, (in this case, special needs educators), and iterative testing with children with a variety of mobility and dexterity needs to refine and validate the design.

Inspiration

Mattel is celebrating its 80th Anniversary as the world’s most trusted toy and entertainment company, home to the world's biggest brands, like Hot Wheels, Barbie, Uno, and more. Mattel is driven to create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences, and develop children through play. Understanding that not everyone plays the same way, Hot Wheels design and development teams have embarked on a mission to reimagine existing toys with inclusivity at the core, so the company can deliver on its purpose: empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential, for all.

Project Duration

The project started in 2023 as an accessible toy design challenge. As a finalist in that challenge, the Accessible RC Controller concept then entered a robust design sprint and user testing phase to challenge assumptions, unlock innovation, and deliver play for ALL. The finished product will launch Fall 2025.

Operation Flow

The inclusive Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC controller was designed to increase access to the joy of RC play to users with special needs. The stunt feature can be activated by pushing a single large button, the directional controls are large and with clearly indicated directional arrows. The controller can be attached by a lanyard and operated in hand, or placed against a flat surface, allowing for greater play accessibility.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Adam Miller, Hero Shot, 2025. Image #2: Photographer Adam Miller, Activation Shot, 2025. Image #3: Photographer Adam Miller, Supplemental Shot, 2025.
Video credits: Videographer Adam Miller, Accessible Controller, 2025.