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I would like to make a toy that is small, portable, not easy to get dirty. it should be an interactive gadget.
Aesthetics: It has vibrant yet soothing color combination and succinct style, not easy to get dirty, round smooth shape that is child friendly.
Cost: It cannot cost more than 20-30 yuan; it shouldn't take more than one month to design it. I am not sure with material cost yet, but it would be 3D printed so it wouldn't be too expensive.
Customer: It is made for refugee children, age 6-12, these children may have faced trauma and disturbing experiences, so they need toys that are safe, interesting, soothing, engaging, not culturally sensitive and non-violence encouraging.
Environmental considerations: the toy should be used in wide range, no matter indoor or outdoor, it should be welcoming, create a safe, soothing space for children and decorate the environment, make it more engaging and cheerful (Can be tested by observing feedback and data on how the child feels after playing and how much time they spend with the toy, where do they keep it? (if somewhere they can see every day, then they probably like it.) where do they use it?).
Function: It should serve as a companion for the children. Accompany them when they are sad, bored, lonely or depressed (can be directly observed through facial expressions). It should create a fairer world, make the children feel accompanied, entertained and loved. The product could be stored in almost anywhere (except for harsh conditions like extreme temperatures), either at a playroom, shelf, or bed-side table.
Manufacturing: We have the 3D printer available. Limitations are we may not be able to make soft toys or malleable toys easily, and the size could be limited due to material and space. It wouldn't take more than 1 month to design.
Materials: 3D printing materials are available; the material needs to be durable to some extent (can stand bending up to 2-3 cm).
Safety: The toy should be physically safe to operate. Smooth and doesn't contain sharp edges (angle of sides >100 degrees) or small parts (after research: no separate part "smaller than a 20-cent coin." Reference: https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/safety/choking-strangulation/choking-prevention#:~:text=Choking prevention and choking risks 1 Choking hazards,peeled until children can chew well. More items"Any component with a diameter of 1.25 inches or less or a length of 2.25 inches or less is considered a choking hazard for children three years and below." (although they are older, safety measures would be taken by this standard) Reference: https://willnice.net/choking-prevention/0-3-choking-hazard/#:~:text=These standards include%3A 1 Small Parts Cylinder Testing%3A,wear and tear and rough use. More items). The toy should be also psychologically protective, isn't culturally sensitive or promote violence (can be determined by researching on standards of violence and what is considered culturally sensitive in than region).
Size: smaller than 15cm (both length and width). Consider choking hazard for young children. take note that children have smaller hand and fingers, make it easier to operate.
Initial checklist ideas:
1.It should be smaller than 13cm.
2.It should have a dark color which is not easy to get dirty or look dirty. (For example, black, dark green, dark blue, dark red, dark purple, dark orange.)
3.It should be interactive.
4.It should be durable. (Too vague? run tests on how much pressure and weight it can take. It can take 1kg weight, it can be tossed over at least 1m vertical and 2 meters horizontal.)
Why don't you try posting one?