Beam Buddy
A flashlight toy designed with simple usability, appealing aesthetic, and with the ability to help alleviate fear of the dark.
Duration: October – November
Role: Product Designer, 3D Designer, UX Researcher, Graphic Designer
Team: Classmate (UX Designer/Researcher)
Tools: Figma & Blender
OVERVIEW
Prompt: Design a product that solves a problem for a child
In one of my final courses in university, my friend and I partnered up to tackle a product design assignment where teams of two were given user groups to pick, and create a product for. The user group we chose was young children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old and the problem we identified was nyctophobia(fear of the dark).
PROBLEM
Traditional flashlights seem to be built for adults as the only user group
- Too bulky or heavy for small hands.
- Unintuitive and overly complex switches and interactions.
- Fragile materials with higher potential to break during play.
RESEARCH & IDEATION
Initial ideas and why we pivoted
- Initial sketches helped us move towards solution.
- First impressions from users indicated designs seemed too sharp.
- The scale of the toy seemed too small for kids, easy to drop, and easy to misplace.
Based on what we heard on our ideas, we needed to scale up our design, smooth the edges, and begin considering what materials may work best for the product.
SOLUTION
A child-friendly light for comfort and creativity
- Smooth and easy-to-hold in small hands.
- Intuitive on/off button that is simple and easy to access.
- Designed with durable and child-safe materials.
- Friendly aesthetic and colors invite users to interact.
FINAL DESIGN
The Beam Buddy is born
- Sleek design for comfort and long-lasting fun.
- Camera-inspired design to encourage creativity and interest in photography.
- High-contrast compnents for easy accessility.
- Durable materials include, rubber, plastic, and polycarbonate.
Projected Results
REFLECTION
Key Takeaways
- Designing for children requires extra attention to ergonomics, safety, and aesthetic.
- Picking the right materials is especially important in it's appeal and durability.
- Inspiring an interest in photography seemed less likely as we progressed, and any child that develops an interest in this hobby/profession after playing with Beam Buddy may be a coincidence.
