Frank Kraska

Backyard Discovery was a corporate acquisition of Step2 in November of 2016. Previous to Step2's involvement with BYD there was no internal design department. As Principal Designer I was transitioned from my Senior Design role with Step2 to take the lead on future product development with BYD. I work closely with the marketing and new product development staff on initiatives that include outdoor structures such as pergolas and pavilions. Other areas of development and growth are within their outdoor play line with play sets and playhouses.

As Senior Product Designer and Project Manager my responsibilities include taking a new product idea from concept
to actual production. This process begins with concept ideation and brainstorming that is then taken to sketch form,
formalized drawings, and 3-D computerized models that can be used for 2-D presentation as well as for rapid
prototyping model form presentation. My responsibilities beyond design involve product management where I
ensure that the sales and marketing groups are prepared for buyer presentation. I also work side-by-side with the
product engineers to see that the products are manufactured and packaged efficiently while keeping with the aesthetic
that I have created. Other facets of the process that I am often responsible for include graphic design, whether it be
for logos, decals, or POP design.

As Product Designer I was responsible for the development of new products and refreshing existing product.
Responsibilities as designer included research and development of new products through conceptual sketching and
drawing, as well as working with 3-D modeling software to produce breadboard models and looks-like- works-like
models. Duties also included refreshing existing products and cost reducing products by changing colors, removing
or redesigning costly components, and developing new graphic artwork for product.

As Product Designer I was in charge of several projects from their beginning stages through production completion.
I worked with the department manager as well as manufacturing engineers to learn the process of rotational molding
for which Step2 is known.

During my internship I worked with a Sr. Product Designer on the Star Wars Jr. and Jurassic Park Jr. lines. We
worked on developing playsets for each brand that fit into specific price levels. We worked on actual product as well
as the POP display and blister pack packaging.

In my internship with my duties included research and development of products as well as finish and presentation
work for conceptual products.