When initially brainstorming, I thought about my idea of fun, and tried to relate to the majority of ocad students. I didn't limit my thoughts to what was practical and conceivable, I just let my imagination go crazy. I chose to follow through with the soap surfer because it is something that people of any age can enjoy. It's also hugely functional, because everyone drops their soap in the shower once in a while.
I decided to follow the designer toy trend and make the characters collectible. There are four as of now, but in the future, a website can be set up so anyone can customize their own Soap Surfer online - dressing it, choosing features, and even giving it a name (to be printed on the box.) One can design a Soap Surfer even if they don't want to buy it.
Optional outfits for "Make your Own Soap Surfer":
-wedding gown -wrestler's leather getup (with mask) -Santa Outfit -shorts -teeshirts -wetsuits -clown garb
Animals also available!
This is a great interactive marketing tool.
Components:
The soap surfer will be constructed out of vinyl - for extreme durability and longevity. It will be attached with a wire through the soap:
The soap will be a natural variety, made to last for several months and be good for sensitive skin. Quality is important. The soaps will contain essential oils, natural colour, organic exfoliants and only vegetable oils. Giving the consumer an environmentally friendly soap will increase appeal. Plus, each character can have its own scent. (Another incentive to collect them all)
User Tesing:
People in class thought my Soap Surfer, "Surfcat" was cute and that it smelled good. I asked several people if they would use something like it, and they said yes, they would! "That is a totally adorable idea, if I had one it would make me want to bathe," said Livia. Misha said that I should actually market these, that she wants them all!
I created a model that is visually appealing and also easy to hold and move around. Fingers fit perfectly underneath the extended arms of the surfer for ease of use. One can even just hold it by the head. Testing it in water was a bit risky, for my model was made out of air-dry clay. I sprayed it with waterproofer, and it held up quite well when tested in the sink.
The only thing I decided I would change is the means in which the Surfer is attached (from wooden dowels to a wire) and what the Surfer itself is made of (from clay to plastic) - and I knew these changes would happen from the start.
Design Stuffs!
Visibility - the function of this toy is easy to decipher, as all its usable parts are clearly visible. It's also aesthetically pleasing because of its colourful cuteness! (All Soap Surfers will be brightly coloured. The black and white image of the four characters is meant to show what the variations will look like.)
Affordance - the toy is so simple, all you need to know is that its surfboard is soap, and the surfer's stuck. You're set to use it!
Constraint - there are virtually no constraints with this toy, except for when the soap runs out. Then it transforms from a tub toy into a collector's item.
Interactivity - The fun of this toy is the ability to use it in the shower, hunt for your favourite one in stores, and eventually be able to make your own on the internet! They make excellent gifts, as well. An added bonus is that the surfer kid, Drake Jonez kind of resembles Jesse Colin Jackson.
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