Mood boards were created to reflect the pillars of the overall design approach through form, texture, materials and interaction model for the solution.
The traditional Soft Teddy Bear takes a differentiated approach as an interactive digital companion through the use of integrated technology and textured self-skinning foam material.
The Soft Teddy Bear interactive companion direction uses an inserted mobile device to program and bring the toy to life.
The FrogPad direction focuses on creating an engaging handheld experience for interactive learning.
The soft overall form factor with an overmolded surround make the toy easy to hold and the design treatment of the storytelling screen interface is designed as a mouth to "speak" to the user.
The RoboPal is a storytelling companion as an articulating figure with soft, textured self-skinning foam and overmolded rubber body. The head is comprised of a digital touchscreen for storytelling and communication. The lower "screen" area detects objects and acts as the eyes of the bot. The uses for either screen is modal based on the engagement.
The RoboPal is a differentiated approach to an interactive learning companion.
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ELECTRONIC COMPANION TOYS
The goal of this effort was to develop several design directions for an interactive storytelling toy companion. The designs focused on creating a more engaging children's toy that encouraged interactive learning in user-friendly form factors with soft and comforting materials. A material selection that was cleanable, durable, easy to hold, with tactile and sensory attributes through textures was desired. The toy also required incorporating a screen interface and an electronics module for sound and object recognition.
