BUG LOG

Bring Out the Bugs!

Bug Log is a nature-inspired STEM toy offering open-ended play with an element of surprise, specifically designed for children ages three and up.

Bug Log helps young children (ages 3-5) to reach cognitive and social developmental milestones, as it can be used as an aid in naming colours, learning to count, sharing, and manipulating objects. It also encourages creativity through its open-ended play. The bright colours, soft materials, and different textures also offer sensory stimulants.

What?

Bug Log is a nature-inspired STEM toy offering open-ended play with an element of surprise, specifically designed for children ages three and up.

How?

Bug Log is relevant in today’s day in age as it is a green toy which gives children an interest nature, and can lead to conversations about topics like sustainability. This is especially important today with climate change, and Bug Log can be used as a tool to start conversations about it early on in a child’s life.

Who? Why?

Bug Log helps young children (ages 3-5) to reach cognitive and social developmental milestones, as it can be used as an aid in naming colours, learning to count, sharing, and manipulating objects. It also encourages creativity through it’s open-ended play. The bright colours, soft materials, and different textures also offer sensory stimulations.

Play Patterns & Interactions

Press, Pull Twist *Pop* Surprise! Play Send Home

Design Process

Sketch Prototype

Prototype demonstrates the size and shape of the toy.

Sketch Prototype

Branches come on and off using velcro.

Inside Mechanism

Early developments of the inside mechanism.

Inside Mechanism (with eggs)

The sponge (which would be a spring in the final product), allows for the branch to bounce back into place after being pushed.

Presentation Model Parts

Container is for the body, tubes are for the branches, acrylic circles are laser-cut to fit the tubes to act as lids, sponge is for the inside mechanism.

Branches

The process of gluing fabric onto the tubes.

Custom Lid

This lid is made of laser-cut acrylic plastic that fits the body (container) perfectly

Presentation Model Body

What the body looks like before the holes are drilled and the branches are added.

Sketch Prototype

Prototype demonstrates the size and shape of the toy.

Sketch Prototype

Branches come on and off using velcro.

Inside Mechanism

Early developments of the inside mechanism.

Inside Mechanism (with eggs)

The sponge (which would be a spring in the final product), allows for the branch to bounce back into place after being pushed.

Presentation Model Parts

Container is for the body, tubes are for the branches, acrylic circles are laser-cut to fit the tubes to act as lids, sponge is for the inside mechanism.

Branches

The process of gluing fabric onto the tubes.

Custom Lid

This lid is made of laser-cut acrylic plastic that fits the body (container) perfectly

Presentation Model Body

What the body looks like before the holes are drilled and the branches are added.

Sketch Prototype

Prototype demonstrates the size and shape of the toy.

Sketch Prototype

Branches come on and off using velcro.

Inside Mechanism

Early developments of the inside mechanism.

Inside Mechanism (with eggs)

The sponge (which would be a spring in the final product), allows for the branch to bounce back into place after being pushed.

Presentation Model Parts

Container is for the body, tubes are for the branches, acrylic circles are laser-cut to fit the tubes to act as lids, sponge is for the inside mechanism.

Branches

The process of gluing fabric onto the tubes.

Custom Lid

This lid is made of laser-cut acrylic plastic that fits the body (container) perfectly

Presentation Model Body

What the body looks like before the holes are drilled and the branches are added.

Functioning Prototype

To view my design process more in-depth click here!

Final Product

Sizzle Video

A fun stop-motion video showcasing Bug Log.

Future Developments & Market Potential

Separately sold limited edition bugs & eggs, mystery packs, birthday bugs, and holiday-themed bugs and eggs are all possible developments of the toy that will keep kids interested. There is also the opportunity for DIY bugs, and egg decorating kits to allow for more creativity and for the toy to expand into a construction toy alongside being a STEM toy.