Creature Maker

This is a toy for young children, made from spheres of heavy foam, plastic or cloth features, and cloth-covered springs for legs. The idea is to allow children to create a creature of their own, as a full-bodied variation on Mr. Potato Head. Weights at the ends of the spring legs will cause the creature to move differently based on their positioning, leg number, and body mass distribution.

Children will be able to pop all parts on and off of the animal, then drop, throw, or give it a push to get it wobbling on its way. It is meant to teach them about the effect of weight distribution on movement, and perhaps about the design of living animals as well.

I'm not certain about the cost of foam heavy enough to have an effect on movement, but I can't imagine it would be extremely expensive. A thick, durable cloth should be enough to cover the springs, but if additional measure are necessary, they can be coated as well. Small animal parts may serve as a choking hazard for children too young, so this toy is most suitable for children once they can understand that they should not eat the parts.

Toy concept 2 | Toy concept 3

Rosemary Luo
Carnegie Mellon University
January 29,2008