Process Highlight
Project Oveview
The Castle Carousel is a rotating wooden toy designed during my internship at Out of the Shed, a multidisciplinary design studio specializing in toy design, furniture, and spatial experiences. Inspired by Disney castles, this project aimed to craft a durable, engaging, and safe wooden carousel for children aged 3-8 years. The toy was developed in two versions to cater to different play environments:
Montessori School Version → A sturdy, collaborative play structure for multiple children in educational settings.
Individual Play Version → A compact, interactive toy designed for imaginative play at home.
Luxury Toy Designer - OutoftheShed
Timeline
3 months
Industrial Design
Game Design
Woodworking
Mechanical Design
Ergonomics
Discipline
UX Research
Sketching
Prototyping
3D Modeling
Material Testing
Assembly
Responsibilities
Sketching Tools
Rendering
Wood modeling for early prototyping
CNC machining & hand-finishing techniques
Tools
S H E D is a multidisciplinary design studio that emphasizes the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Rooted in a philosophy of "thinking through making," the studio engages in creating cultural objects, spaces, and experiences that resonate with memory and emotion. Their collaborative approach involves dialogues with various artisans and thinkers, leading to meticulously crafted products that inspire movement and imagination.
About the Company
The Process
-Research
-Ideation
1
1
Research
- Concept exploration
- Rapid sketching & iterations
- Refining initial ideas
2
1
2
Ideation
- Concept exploration
- Rapid sketching & iterations
- Refining initial ideas
1
3
Final Designs
-Final Refinement
-Production
1
4
Conclusion
Traditional static toys often limit the scope of imaginative play, providing a singular experience that can lead to diminished engagement over time.
Opportunity Statement
The aim was to design a rotating wooden carousel that encourages creativity and interactive storytelling. Expected to be both visually engaging and mechanically innovative, the toy was envisioned to offer a unique play experience through magnet-powered movable characters, making it exciting for group and solo play.
The Castle Carousel embodies S H E D's commitment to creating tangible objects that foster movement and unbridled imagination, encouraging children to engage in hands-on, creative play.
Montessori Version:
A durable, carousel for group play in educational environments.
Introduce an innovative, magnet-based movable character mechanism that adds a unique, tactile dimension to the play experience.
Individual Version:
A interactive carousel for solo play at home.
A safe, visually appealing, and mechanically engaging toy that resonates with children, educators, and parents alike.
Focus Areas
Outcome
Design Philosophy Alignment
S H E D is a multidisciplinary design studio that emphasizes the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Rooted in a philosophy of "thinking through making," the studio engages in creating cultural objects, spaces, and experiences that resonate with memory and emotion. Their collaborative approach involves dialogues with various artisans and thinkers, leading to meticulously crafted products that inspire movement and imagination.
About the Company
The Process
-Research
-Ideation
1
1
Research
- Concept exploration
- Rapid sketching & iterations
- Refining initial ideas
2
1
2
Ideation
- Concept exploration
- Rapid sketching & iterations
- Refining initial ideas
1
3
Final Designs
-Final Refinement
-Production
1
4
Conclusion
Research
Goal of the Project
Ideation
The ideation phase centered on exploring storytelling elements and interactive play. Inspired by castle themes, I focused on creating a design that felt enchanting while allowing children to engage with movable characters, enhancing their imaginative experience. Various elements like the rotating base, magnet-embedded layers, and textile-clad characters were conceptualized to add depth and interaction to the toy.
Understanding and Sketching key elements.
1
Final Concept Development
This phase translated ideas into a tangible structure, refining proportions, mechanisms, and usability before prototyping. Iterative modeling helped test feasibility, improve material efficiency, and enhance user interaction.
3D modeling & mechanism study
Final Concept Development
Choosing materials involves balancing durability, aesthetics, and workability. Hardwoods like teak, walnut, and rosewood ensure strength, while lighter woods like rubberwood or beech offer flexibility and a smooth finish. This selection enhances both structure and visual appeal.
Material selection
Light Brown – Mango Wood, often used in furniture.
Light Brown – White Cedar, common in laminates.
Light Brown – Teakwood, known for durability.
Dark Brown - Indian Rosewood (Sheesham), valued for strength and aesthetics.
Prototyping & Assembly
Prototyping transforms concepts into testable models, refining functionality, materials, and user experience through iterations. Assembly ensures structural integrity and seamless component integration, finalizing a blueprint that balances aesthetics, function, and manufacturability.
Prototyping
This Disney-themed carousel design beautifully combines intricate wooden craftsmanship with whimsical charm. Featuring multi-level towers and carefully sculpted Disney characters, it captures the magic and nostalgia of Disney in a unique, handcrafted piece. The design invites both a visual and tactile experience, blending fantasy with fine artistry.
Final Design
