My intention was to create a fun toy that gets kids familiar with healthy foods and food prep.
These vegetable tops combine the fascination of a spin top, the satisfying chop feel and sound of actual vegetables, and charming vegetable imagery all in effort to get children excited about vegetables.
A rounded knife slices apart halves with a satisfying crunch
Long handles allow spinning from the palm
Made of poplar, carved with a lathe
Research and Design Process
Research
Research and testing summary:
> Toys using physics are enduringly popular
> Toys encouraging imitation play can be educational
> Tops must have 2"plus diameter for ease of use
> Wood is commonly appreciated for pleasant heft, feel, and durability
> Toys encouraging imitation play can be educational
> Tops must have 2"plus diameter for ease of use
> Wood is commonly appreciated for pleasant heft, feel, and durability
Sketching
CAD to Prototype
Templates for lathing
Dimensioning for material planning
CAD Concept Renders
Making
Foam core model for proportioning
Foam lath model
Function testing paint and velcro
First proof of spinning function
Freshly lathed, sanded, and sliced
Support framework for drilling insets
Drilling velcro insets
Simple chopping knife templated
Before clear coating and velcro
veggiesss
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