There are three ways to improve upon the idea of the Jack-in-the-Box.

If it were to be used traditionally as a toy, other subjects could be used in place of the silly looking clown. For girls, fairies and flowers could pop out. The box itself could be crafted out of wood, so the toy would be heavier and require more care. For boys, I would use tin or some light weight metal and have a dinosaur puppet or a spaceship come out. Boys seem to be more destructive so I would target durability to male children and sentimental value and craftsmanship towards the female. This would also vary the target age groups as well.  
Another way is to make festive decorations out of the Jack-in-the-Box. In honor of Halloween, I drew the bats, which could be made to be scary. The Jack-o-Lantern would be more on the cute side. I got the idea afterwards to make the box look like  a lantern. Jack-in-the-Lantern. The market here would be the women who spend tons of money on their holiday addictions.
The last take on the design would be to make it disposable. A Jack-in-the Box hallmark card/gift could be perfect for birthdays, graduations, new years or any other occasion.
The good thing about the Jack-in-the-Box is the diversity, which is something that has only vaguely been utilized. The decoration on the box, the music and the Jack itself can be creatively changed.    

      

Lisa Junge

This toy is intended for children ranging from the age of six months to three years and consists of a series of plastic light up blocks in various colors. The idea behind this toy is that each block is either a primary or secondary color, two of each color, and that that when a block is placed alongside another (with the aid of magnets) each block would transform into a combination of both individual colors. For example, if you put a red block next to a blue block you would get two purple blocks, or if you put yellow next to orange you would get yellow-orange. However if you put together blocks that did not create either a secondary or tertiary color the blocks would turn white. Though I do not know the specifics of the technology required for such a toy, in theory it would consist of a computer chip, LED lights, magnets, and a rechargeable battery encased in a hard plastic four square inch cube with a charging mat accessory. The toy would be marketed as an educational toy that would also mesmerize and entertain children while exposing them to the concepts of color theory at an early age. It would be sold primarily at toy boutique-style stores that specialize in high quality educational toys.

Barreras, Michelle: Toy Design

Brian Williams

Smith, Natalie

This toy functions twice in the home as a whimsical, modern sculpture and as a toy that provides hours of interactive, educational play for children of all ages. Made of semi-translucent off-white bioplastic, the Enchanted Mushroom contains thousands of battery-powered multicolored LEDS. Lights can be programmed with a remote control to change color of the 18" tall 'shroom or play a peaceful slideshow of transitioning colored light. When in 'toy mode', The Enchanted Mushroom's functions as a memory game, with settings for all ages. Its spots function as buttons that perform random patterns for a player to repeat (Inspired by famed Studio 54 Milton Bradley game, Simon) The Enchanted Mushroom retails for around $160 and will be marketed to design-conscious consumers (with and without children) who are looking for educational, interactive toys that dont destroy their home's modern aesthetic!

Inspiration: Simon Game (TM Milton Bradley) Mushroom Pouf (Anthropologie)

Harvey, Dustin - Nerf Knights (Toy Design)

- So, this design is set as more of a brand of toys rather than a single object, therefore, an explanation will do it more justice than my shoddy sketch pictured above. 




-I'm basing this off the NERF line of melee weapons, fleshing it out much like their popular gun products.  There will be a multitude of melee weapons inspired by medieval and fantasy media (from single handed swords, shields, daggers, maces, to two handed axes, spears, hammers, and ranged weapons such as crossbows and bows)

-In addition to the plethora of available weapons, a wide range of different armor sets and pieces will be available (pauldrons, breastplates, greaves, gauntlets, helmets, etc.) and will be attached to the body with simple to use straps or clipping on to a universal belted vest.  Allows for customization and individuality.


-An online component will also be implemented along with the sale of this line of toys.  Lets kids jump into a virtual world with others, create an avatar, and through codes within the product boxes, upgrade their avatar with the same purchased weapons and armor within the game.  

-Weapons will be made, shaped, and padded with condensed foam (adds weight for sturdiness without making them too dangerous) while the armor pieces will be molded with ABS plastic for casing and using condensed foam for padding.


-These products will be marketed primarily to boys aged between 10-13.  I'm also sure LARPers and cosplayers will find great use in these products for their hobbies and activities. 

 

Bustamante, Mark - Design 3 (Toy)

Dead Dash

A small device embedded in a silicon "slap" bracelet that will randomly generate blips on a radar representing zombies. The objective is to outrun the zombies before they get you. The more you outrun the higher your score, and the possibility to unlock achievements. The device also uses Near Field Communication radio signals to detect and interact with other users. The other users can then initiate a tag based game with the radar system. The device also has functions to display date and time, and set alarms.

Hardware

The device uses an e-ink display like those found in popular eReaders. The benefit to this is low battery consumption and it works extremely well in sunlight as opposed to other displays. A micro usb port is located on the side for charging as well as a connection to a computer to upload stats and share online. The NFC system allows for a range of 350ft of opitmal wireless connection.

The Band

The band is comprised of a thin metal strip wrapped in colored silicone. When the strap is slapped on a wrist its rigid form is broken and it bends to the shape of the wrist. These were popular in the 80's and 90's with kids and it works as easy way to attach the unit. Ideally 8 colors would be available and special promotional ones could be sold i.e. Halloween pattern during the Halloween season.

Target Market

Primarily boys between the ages of 8-12. Ideally girls of the same age range would also be interested, and the production of different colors would help encourage this.

Fox, Wendi: Toy design "Creatures"

 

My inspiration for "Creatures" was Mr. Potato head.   Like Mr. Potato head the parts are easily interchangeable, but each set of parts are sold seperately from the body (which comes in different shapes and colors).  There are many different parts that assemble to create each creature and it is up to the child to choose which parts make up their unique "Creature."  Each set of legs, claws, fins, wings, hair, tails etc. comes with a description of the special abilities that this set of appendages gives their Creature.  Along with being interchangeable, each piece clicks into a socket that allows for the parts to move.  The mouth and eyes come in seperate peices and fit into their own socket so that they can move as well. 

 

All parts are recycleable and made from recycled yougurt containers.  The recycled plastic is molded and dyed  bright colors.  The bodies measure from 4 to 5 inches tall so that the toy can easily be held in one hand. 

 

This is a fairly affordable toy with each body costing about $5 and about $3 for each set of parts.  This means that a creature can be completed for under $30, however, the child will want to have more and more parts for their creature.  New parts will also be released periodically.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pearlman-Flores, Alexis- Toy Design

This life size lincoln log tree brings nature any where. It fits in a back yard, your child's room and even in (most) urban apartments. The base holds the resting pieces in place and allows for climbing like a real tree. Dimensions: base- 2x3' tree trunk log pieces- 6" in diameter
Inspiration:

 

Davis, Ryan Toy Design

Bock, Casey Toy Design

Staley, Tammy: Toy Project: We Grow!

“We Grow!” is an interactive toy intended for children ages 3-5 years of age.

The product is essentially a “play” garden made completely from 100% recycled plastic milk containers. Safe, non-toxic, BPA-free, and meets FDA food contact standards.

The kit comes with a planter, two garden hand-tools, a dozen vegetables, and “dirt” made from shredded, tumbled (to round edges) recycled milk containers. (the “dirt” has slightly larger grains than sand and is much lighter)
The planter, vegetables, and tools are form-made and have softened, rounded edges. The vegetables are large enough not to represent a choking hazard. While the materials are not toxic, they should not be eaten therefore, adult supervision is recommended.
The product could be marketed at such stores as Target and Toys-R-Us.

Planter measures 3' Width x 2' Length x 9" Depth

Planter

Garden Tools

Vegetable

Inspiration

Crocetto, Julia_Over-Under Playground Toy

The Over-Under is a sculptural outdoor toy that encourages physical activity and social play. Additionally, the scooped forms and interior space encourage solo or introspective play.

The design is influenced by watching children climb "up" slides, and from bobsled runs, with curved sides that enable children to "hold on" and prevents them from accidentally tumbling over the edges. The edges at the lowest points are lowered to enable smaller children to climb aboard, older children can mount the toy in various ways, as inspired by their play.

 

Safety Features: The Over-Under will complement the Little Tikes line of playground toys, suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The Over-Under is approved for use at day care facilities and public playgrounds. The Over-Under is assembled from interlocking components. Each unit has a chamber for the owner to add sand to provide counterweight to the finished form, enabling up to children to play on any part of the form without fear of tipping over. The seams are structured for a smooth surface that will enable uninhibited play, while providing drainage points to prevent rainwater from accumulating.

Materials: The Over-Under is made from recycled plastic, and, like other Little Tikes products, is Made in U.S.A. and comes with a five-year warranty. It is available in a variety of colors.

Size: 5 ft high, 15 ft diameter.

Market: Homes, Day Care Facilities, Schools, Public Parks

Price: Little Tikes would retail this on its own for $299. They will also offer it as part of their equipment bundles.

Age: Children ranging in size from toddler to 60 pounds will enjoy this toy.

Weather Globe My toy is one that is aimed at the Sharper Image shopper or the Brookstone shopper; A sophisticated touchscreen globe that works much like the touchscreen technology on our cellular phones. The globe will also have zooming capabilities in order to view cities more closely or various landmarks. The purpose of my design is to incorporate the satellite views only space can offer into the home, providing a weather account that is in real time. This gives the user a chance to experience cloud cover, storms and volcanoes as they are manifesting on the Earth. When a country, region or city is selected, a display appears floating on the globe itself. it will be in yellow as to be easily distinguished from the landscape. The screen will show temperature, pressure, humidity, UV index, wind speeds, Moon phases, sunrise/sunset time, chance of rain and storm alerts in the area of hurricanes, tsunamis etc. It will be programmable in Metric or the U.S. degree system. It easily connects to internet via an Ethernet chord and has a power supply. Both of these chords are housed in the Lucite base, a carved hole threading them out of the globe and the base. The globe has a circumference of two feet and the base a two inch Lucite frame, as to not take away from the globe itself, as if it were floating. The stand height will be roughly five inches, and the globe will be adhered to the frame via spinning axles screwed into the Lucite frame.

Peralta, Ashley / "Little Big Doll" (Toy)

         "Little Big Doll" is a creation inspired by the Matryoshka Russian nesting dolls and a character in a current video game called Little Big Planet.

      Its materials consist of machine washable polyester fabric and a zipper. Each doll will have a different color or design on the fabric. There are four dolls that fit into each other with the largest doll being 13" (in height) and the smallest at 6".
This doll is not gender specific and is suitable for ages 6 and up. This doll is aimed for those who enjoy a puzzle-like, cute and friendly looking toy that can be easily carried anywhere.
"Little Big Doll" can be found at toy stores like Toys R Us, Babesta, and Target.

Lamb, Bree; Toy Design

Redbull© Wingman

The Wingman is the first action-sports inspired toy collaboration with Red Bull©. It’s a new take on the traditional Styrofoam airplane, using a fresh innovative form and eco friendly materials. Instead of Styrofoam, the body is constructed of Bagasse fiber- a lightweight, but strong and sturdy plant-based fiber material. There is no motor or remote control, the user simply throws the Wingman and lets the wind take it. If throwing from great heights the user may employ the analog timer (up to 2 minutes in 3 second increments) in which the hinge will spring open and a parachute will pop out, safely guiding the Wingman to the ground.  Additionally there is a vibration activated, coin cell music chip embedded in the form that plays Dubstep music, simulating the atmosphere of videos of Red Bull© athletes using real Wingsuits.

Materials:

Body: Bagasse/Wheatstraw fiber  

-       sturdy, strong

-       handle hot and cold

-       no plastic or wax lining

-        made from sugarcane and wheat fibers, annually renewable resources

-       fully compostable

Music Chip: “Chip on Board” (COB) CMOS LSI IC ($7.95)

-       Micro speaker

-       Coin cell

-       Plays repeatable 128 note tune, vibration activated

Timer: Plastic molded into Bagasse body

Dimensions: 24” length, 24” wingspan, 20” footspan

Weight: 12 Ounces

Price: $34.99 retail USD

Target Market: Children ages 7 and up