“The creative adult is the child who survived.”

-Ursula K. Le Guin, Fiction Author

Creativity in Adolescence

“…play as a vehicle for creative expression and an opportunity to come up with new ideas.”

-Dr. Sandra Russ, Dean at the College of Arts and Sciences

Creativity in Adulthood

“Creativity can lead to better teamwork, increased engagement, improved morale, better problem-solving, and more fun!”

-bestpracticeconsulting.au

Market Analysis

LEGO

A classic building tool to create any number of ideas. High cost may be a barrier to entry.

Arckit

Developed as a building tool for architects to visualize their ideas. Product has a specific use case.

Plus Plus

Building toy that only uses one element. Low manufacturing costs but at times can be limiting in what you can create.

Pixio

Magnetic building toy to make pixelated creations. High cost may be a barrier to entry.

Customer Interviews

What fuels people’s creativity?

Being with others
Music, Movies, TV Shows
Working with creative mediums

What drains people’s creativity?

A blank canvas
Expectations
Preoccupation with other work

The Mission

For individuals who find existing building tools too complex or difficult, develop a tool that provides an easier way to express one’s self creatively.

“…it would be nice to lower the bar of entry to get into art and design. A way to be creative without investing in expensive tools.“

-Ryan O, Architect

Three Directions

Paper Clips

Paper elements could be cut out, drawn on, and attached together to make creations.

While intrigued, users struggled to come up with ideas.

Brick Add On

Build off an existing building system and incorporate paper.

Some users found the building process to be difficult.

Magnet Kit

Use of an abstract magnetic building system.

Most positive reception due to ease of construction.

Initial Feedback

Desired more part variation
Wanted examples of possible creations
Magnetic poles limited ideas

Part Selection

Initial elements mainly led to 2D creations. After testing, people also wanted elements that were 3D.

Four parts were created, including a new element that allowed for paper elements to be attached.

Initial Feedback

To solve the limitations of the magnetic poles, a new shape was created that allowed for the magnets to float freely to allow connections in any orientation.