Play + Learning| Fall Session I | Sept. 8 - Sept. 30

Studio Brief

Due to public outcry, companies have been reimagining their mission statements and products in order to quell the effects of climate change. In the toy industry alone, an estimated 90% of toys end up in landfills. With most of these toys made from hard-to-recycle plastics, the best way to reduce waste is to be conscientious of the playability of a toy.

In this studio, students will study how the art of play impacts the way children develop necessary physical and cognitive skills in order to develop Montessori Method-inspired toys that grow alongside the child and adapt in their playability to promote sustainable practices. 

Students will engage in an accelerated iterative design process inspired by the partnership NuVu has with the Cambridge Montessori School by engaging in focus group interviews and revisiting for user play testing of prototypes. As a final product, these toy designers will develop not only a fully-fledged prototype, but will also develop accurate plans for the manufacture and scalability of their toys.