TC1000: Concept Development

After receiving feedback on our direction, we've been doing more research and image studies. Here are some toys and kid things that we've found to help us on our path.

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We've been looking at different animals, colors, aesthetics, forms etc.

Some things that we found inspiring were KidRobot collectible toys, R2D2, gaming technology, etc.

Pixar and Disney have also been big inspirations because they know their audience. They can please both kids and parents with their story lines, characters, and colors. We'd like to draw from Pixar's Wall-e by combining a friendly form with robotic appeal, clean & simple lines and forms, friendly characteristics.

While doing some research on color themes and swatches, we tried out different colors on the Modo IV pole. By changing out the colors, we had a better idea of what themes would go well with the different materials (similar to our own cart).

The teal/turquoise was our first choice since it was friendly and could appeal to both sexes. While doing a search for the color, we discovered that it was the color of the year on Pantone's website.

Here's a description of the color from Pantone's site:

Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

This was exactly what we were looking for and the description summed up everything we wanted in both a color, and a cart.

From here, we started looking at different animals that would best suit young children, as well as our color. Sea creatures have interested us and we've been looking at dinosaurs, octopi, sea turtles, Lochness (Nessy!), seahorses, and more.

Our next step is to start form sketching and created some models. We're focusing on mobility, ease of cleaning, and organization.

Some other things we're considering:

• children connected to machines (tubings, IVs, etc.)


• cable management

Some features we're looking into:

• adjustable, moving & rotating arm


• charging and docking


• built-in web cam & speakers

To include a playfulness that is exclusive to iPad, we looked at an app called "Crazy Face". It would be a fun way to give the cart a personality, allowing it to become the child's bedside companion -- perhaps with more friendly faces.