Winner of the Robert H. McKim Product Design Award
Designed to inspire creative play
Playmaker Pinball was the result of a two-quarter capstone in the Stanford Product Design program. I worked alongside Max Harris, Breanna Sandoval, and Enya Lu.
Our project started from open-minded interviews with parents, teachers, nannies, and, of course, kids too! We then iterated through designs, tested prototypes, and fabricated a pinball-inspired physical problem-solving game for children ages 8-13.
Thank you to all our interviewees, Cheeky Monkey toys, and the students of Lathrop Middle School's 2023 Design and Technology class for chatting with us and testing our prototypes!
Needfinding + Interview Synthesis
Through interviews with kids, parents, teachers, nannies and more, we aimed to get a pulse on the opportunity space.
We learned that post-pandemic, kids are struggling more than ever in problem solving and socialization. The parents we talked to reiterated these concerns and placed a notably high emphasis on having educational toys at home. Finally, and most importantly we talked to kids, and the biggest common thread across every interview was that they loved play that was dynamic and engaging.
Segmentation
Based on our interviews, we segmented customers (parents) based on two behavioral profiles: degree of involvement in extracurricular activities and degree of emphasis on academics, especially STEM.
We also segmented users (8-13 year old children) based on sociability and creative confidence.
Brainstorming
We leveraged our interview findings to brainstorm potential product directions, finally settling on a dynamic, challenging, fast-paced, one to two player game inspired by pinball.
Prototypes
CAD and SVG Files for Laser Cutting
The initial prototypes were designed to allow for the pinball machine to be laser cut and easily assembled and disassembled to allow for rapid prototyping of dimensions and features.
Basic Gameplay
Playmaker Pinball brings problem solving and head-to-head competition to the classic game of pinball.
With one Playmaker, users set up and solve playfield challenges posed in the included puzzle book.
In two player mode, the components become strategic obstacles that users can place on to either Playmaker to help them win.
User Testing
There is no better way to know how kids will take to your product than to hear from kids themselves!
We coordinated with Lathrop Middle School to have 30+ students play with and give feedback on their experience with our Playmaker Pinball set. The students enjoyed puzzling through the single player puzzle book, and especially loved the head-to-head play.
Expert Testing
We took our prototypes to Cheeky Monkey Toys, a Palo Alto toy store, and chatted with their staff and (of course!) let them play too!
Branding
The brand identity was constructed to be inviting but not prescriptive, solidifying Playmaker as an experience that any child could make their own.
Final Product
Assembled from acrylic with precision hardware and 3D printed features.
Final CAD Renderings
Rendering with obstacles and branded playfield.
Rendering without branded playfield.
Trade Show Presentation and Booth
Presenting our design journey and pitching Playmaker Pinball to the public and a jury of design professionals.
Booth setup with playable product demo.
Group photo with our project coach and mentor Alison Wong.
Robert H. McKim Award Presented at Graduation
"The Robert H. McKim Award is given out each year to outstanding students in the major who demonstrate through their studies, and projects, the exceptional embodiment of design principles taught by Professor McKim. [...] McKim immersed his students in a design approach he called “visual thinking” that stressed imagining, sketching, and rapid prototyping over drafting, writing, and calculations."