Hasbro · Games
EPIC Toy Concept
- Problem
- Design and prototype a new toy concept from the ground up, using electronics and internal mechanisms.
- Team
- 5 co-ops; I led the team
- My role
- Team lead; designed the rack-and-pinion slide mechanism and fit salvaged electronics into the prototype CAD
- Tools
- SolidWorks, 3D printing (PLA), product teardowns, cost estimation
- Result
- Concept, functional prototype and pitch presented to Hasbro senior leadership; well received, not pursued yet
Because of IP sensitivity, I can't share images of the concept or its specific details. This is a general outline of my responsibilities and the work completed.
Objective
- Design and prototype a unique, innovative toy concept from the ground up that uses electronic components and internal physical mechanisms.
Engineering
- Designed a rack-and-pinion system that slides part of a gauntlet out to expose a slot for a microswitch key.
- The mechanisms are spring-driven; the prototype has no motors.
- Modeled the parts in SolidWorks and 3D printed functional prototypes in PLA.
- Took apart existing products that had features we wanted, such as a projector light and a film wheel, and adjusted the CAD model so their electronics fit inside our prototype.
- Created cost estimates with detailed breakdowns of material, labor and markup costs.
Leading the team
- Led the 5-person co-op team and ran weekly scrum meetings to review progress and plan development.
- Brainstormed story-driven play patterns for several potential IPs.
- Networked with employees across the company for advice on improving the product and applying toyetic design principles.
- Presented progress to leadership in multiple Stage Gate meetings and folded their feedback into later design iterations.
- Presented the final concept with a functional prototype, sizzle video and PowerPoint deck to senior leadership, presenting in character for extra immersion.
Result
- The concept was well received by Hasbro leadership. It has not been taken further yet.
What I learned
- Running weekly scrum meetings
- Creating detailed cost estimates throughout the product development cycle
- Creating entertaining and engaging presentations
- Designing products with a focus on consumer identity
- Communicating with leadership and senior managers