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Child Development

1. Issues

   • Cultural
     • The country the product is sold in may affect its sizes, colours and design so the designer must research thoroughly and make sure the product doesn't offend any cultures.
   • Environmental
     • Consider the recyclability of the products and the resources used to extract and manufacture the materials.
   • Legal
     • Must meet any consumer right acts and take full responsibility when the product breaks.
   • Social & Moral
     • Must be aware of people consider to be right and wrong when designing a children's toy
   • Health and Safety
     • Wood must be smoothed out to make sure the child wont get a splinter
     • To prevent poisoning, all materials used must be non-toxic and any paint lead-free and the child is very likely to put the toy in their mouth.
     • The product must not contain any sharp edgees as injuries to the child might occur
     • Ensure that parts of the product aren't too small, otherwise it may become a choking hazard for the child.

2. Possible products

   • Musical Toys
   • Puzzles & Games
   • Construction

3. Materials & Manufacture

   • Woods
     • Woods are a very suitable material to use for children's toys. Soft woods such a pine are cheap, easily recyclable and sturdy.
     • Can be painted different colours, or varnished to make the product look more attractive and appealing. However the type of varnish and paint needs to be contemplated as to whether its safe for the child.
     • MDF is a very good material when manufacturing products. It is cheap andcan be cut on the laser cutter to get very precise pieces for my game. This will be one of the techniques i will use.
   • Plastics
     • The manufacture of plastics is not vet environmentally freindly as it contributed to global warming by burning fossil fuels, however it is recyclable.In my final product i must include pieces of acrylic plastic as it adds to the material range i plan on using. I will use the sublimation printer to print on nice, attractive deigns on peices of acrylic. Also I plan on using the 3D printer which uses biodegradable plastic to make the products.
     • Easy to shape, as when heated they are malleable and very easy to form into desired shapes.
   • Metals
     • Metals are very rarely used in child development toys, as it isn't a very nice material to the touch for young children and can often be too hard and dangerous for children to handle.
   • Other materials
     • Other interesting material can be used to challenge the child's sensory skills,such as materials that have different textures, or make different noises when squeezed or touched.

4. Market

   • Cost Factors
     • The product must be affordable and a good investment for the parents
       • The materials i use will affect the final cost of the product. Soft woods are must cheaper than hard woods so using a soft wood like pine would be affordable.
   • Target Users
     • Anthropometrics & Ergonomics
       • My Product will be aimed at children of 2-5 years old
       • Before making my product i will have to research the average measurements of children from 2-5 years old. This will ensure the my product is comfortable to play with, and that all parts can be reached by the child.
     • Aesthetically pleasing for parents of the young children
   • Current available Products
     • There are a huge variety of engaging toys for young children out in the market at the moment. Whilst designing my product i need to be really creative and think of a product with a 'twist' on the original products found and researched.