Mini Movers is a multi-use educational toy for two to three-year-olds that teaches developmental skills by allowing the user to mix and match five wooden modular cars–the convertible, sedan, truck, jeep, and minivan. Each car is made up of three parts: the front, back, and a singular base which all attach via magnets. The user can create five new cars with fifteen different possibilities by mixing and matching the front and back parts to the car's base. The base has two numbers labeled in the front and back which correspond to car pieces, signifying the correct combination of the car. While piecing the cars together, the user can learn about numbers, colors, and form. This project was created through woodworking and took inspiration from Frobel’s Gifts, the world’s first educational toy.
Purpose
Most parents expect their children to be able to walk, talk, sing, count, and recite their ABCs before they enter elementary school. A growing demand is being placed on infants and toddlers to develop their cognitive abilities and fine motor skills during the first 3 years of life. As a child approaches 2 years of age they begin to explore the world around them, and quickly develop cognitive skills.
In an era where digital devices are increasingly prevalent in children's lives, Mini Movers offers a tactile, screen-free alternative that fosters hands-on learning. Drawing inspiration from Froebel’s Gifts—the world's first educational toys—it emphasizes the importance of physical interaction in early childhood development. By engaging toddlers in constructive play, Mini Movers not only supports developmental milestones but also strengthens the parent-child bond through shared activities.
Process
1. Product Design
Specification
2. Prototyping Plan
3. Prototyping &
Packaging Design
4. User Testing
Making
Final Product
Final Product
Usability Testing
