Ocean Explorer Toy by Yue Zhou

Home >

DESIGN DETAILS

DESIGN NAME:
Ocean Explorer

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Toy

INSPIRATION:
The inspiration for Ocean Explorer comes from the story of a humpback whale mother and daughter, Delta and Dawn, who were rescued by humans after being injured and eventually returned safely to the ocean. In designing this toy, we aimed to incorporate this touching narrative, allowing children to take on the role of a "helper." Through this experience, we hope to instill a sense of responsibility, confidence, environmental awareness, and animal protection in children from an early age.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Ocean Explorer is an innovative bath toy series for children aged 3-5, combining play and education to promote animal conservation. Featuring modular sets with puzzles, ring games, and storybooks, it introduces marine habitats, environmental challenges, and protection strategies. By blending fun with learning, Ocean Explorer fosters creativity, environmental awareness, and a sense of responsibility, making bath time both enjoyable and impactful.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
Each series includes a floating habitat part with easy-to-assemble components, helping children develop hands-on skills while bonding with aquatic creatures. When assembled, a gentle push triggers motions in the habitat. An animal-shaped ring represents the habitat's resident, and children play by tossing it to reunite or repair the animal with its habitat. A water-friendly storybook enhances learning, allowing parents to share conservation stories while the book made out of water-friendly material could also decorates the bathroom wall.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
This project started in October 2023 and finished in December 2023 in Rhode Island, USA

FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY:
Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
The primary materials used in this design are Valchromat, wood, crafted string, and resin. Valchromat, a colored MDF, is naturally pigmented during production, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for children. Resin is utilized solely for 3D-printed components in the project, and all resin parts are non-toxic and safe for children's use, ensuring the product meets high safety standards while maintaining its durability and aesthetic appeal.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
Package dimension: 228mm x 127mm x 178mm

TAGS:
Toy, Modular Design, Animal Conservation, Environment Protection

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
-

CHALLENGE:
We believe the biggest challenge in this design was how to seamlessly integrate the complex and serious topics of environmental and animal conservation into children's play, subtly teaching them the importance of protecting their surroundings and cultivating their sense of responsibility. By incorporating a storybook, we encourage parents to join in the play experience. This not only adds fun for children through illustrations but also allows parents to choose how they wish to deliver these important messages to their kids.

ADDED DATE:
2024-09-29 23:20:10

TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
Yue Zhou

IMAGE CREDITS:
Yue Zhou

Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.behance.net/yuezhou38

AWARD DETAILS
	Ocean Explorer Toy by Yue Zhou is Runner-up for A' Design Award in Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design Category, 2024 - 2025. · Read the interview with designer Yue Zhou for design Ocean Explorer here. · Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Yue Zhou. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Yue Zhou.