Project Two - Final Toy Proposal - Lindsay Sinclair

MAGNART:
Interactive Geometric Fridge Art

WHAT IS IT?

Magnart is a set of colorful, magnetic, geometric shaped blocks that fit together in an endless combination of ways. The blocks can be manipulated to create various forms of artwork from mindless abstract arrangements to complex geometric patterns and everything in between. These blocks are very easy to use and people of all age groups will be attracted to them whether they are creative or not. The artwork that is created through arranging the shapes becomes a form of decoration on your kitchen that is impernanent but nonetheless a way to showcase a creative expression without the pressure of it being permanent. User testing showed that individual people were drawn different colors and so Magnart comes in a variety of color schemes to suit your style or to match your kitchen. Multiple people can collaborate on a desisn together, and people of all ages can use Magnart. These simple blocks will bring you back to grade school yet they can produce sophisticated patterns and hip geometric designs.

DEMOGRAPHIC:

The toy has been designed with young adults in mind, although it could just as easily be a toy for children and youth given the simplicity of the concept and the ease of use. Young children can arrange more rudimentary compositions that evolve in complexity as they get older. The ideal user is between 18 and 35 years old and is visually focused, whether that mean artistically inclined or just interested in the visual realm of their environment. Magnart is intended to be sold in design stores as well as larger urban culture focused stores such as Urban Outfitters. The product appeals to young adults with a soft spot for nostalgic decorations.

WHY IS IT FUN?

People are drawn to this toy because it makes them nostalgic for their childhood when simple toys entertained their imaginations for hours. Creative and non-creative people alike will find it easy to create interesting patterns and the possibilities are vast. The shapes themselves are colorful, soft and pleasing to touch. They are pleasing to the touch and can easily be slid, picked up and manipulated. Adults will find them to be enjoyable because they provide a justifiable excuse to play with blocks given they function as decoration on your fridge. They provide an outlet for people who don't create very much visual decoration of their own and they are accessible to those who shy away from creating things because they assume they are not good artists. There is a motivation to interact with the shapes because they are viewed often and can so easily be altered to suit individual styles and kitchens.