TOYZ Inc - Project Brief
Designer brand TOYZ Inc is an upscale toy company aimed towards engaging the creativity of children through their products. Company President, Chris Solmon, has a background in graphic design and practices child psychology in Chicago. She is an avid art collector of female contemporary artist with content focused on children, such as Debra Hurd. The company was established in 2008, and has since carved out a unique niche in the competitive realm of giant toy conglomerates. Currently employing 35 highly qualified product designers, manufacturing engineers and a skilled team of marketing specialists, the company has outgrown their current office space and is in need of a new office space which enhances collaboration between departments and promotes corporate goals and direction. The new collaborative space should reflect the interactivity and exploratory characteristics essential to their toys.
In commercial design, it is the designer’s ambition to reflect a company’s ideals, energy and personality, all while simultaneously providing a productive environment for the company to grow.
Design as a Concept…
Redefining the Spatial Palette
The concept for this design is centralized around the exploration of possibilities for this company to achieve success. Through researching and analyzing corporate values along with various personalities, I determined the best solution to effectively communicate the company’s essence is to emphasize their role in the toy industry. TOYZ Inc has truly redefined the very function of children’s toys, therefore it is only suiting for the concept to be Redefining the Spatial Palette.
goals and objectives
Imagine a desired impact the design has on the users
Implement corporate values into design
Emphasis on team and group activities
Think | Observe | Yield
think
Defines a crucial aspect of the design process. Embodies the inherent qualities of the company president, a woman of magnitude and intellect.
observe
Defines an important phase of the scientific process. Embodies the intrinsic nature of the employees, who are designers and engineers
yield
Defines an indication of growth. Embodies the collective efforts of the entire company to ensure continued success.
Design as a Process…
Establishing a Spatial Literature
Topic > Collaboration
Intermingling of departments to establish a workflow centralized upon communication.
Topic > Interaction
Allowing for children to test prototypes and finished products to enhance the overall process and functionality of the company.
Design as a Process…
Working Out the Details
Floor Plan
The process for this space was drawn from inspiration of an artist’s palette. As per building owner, the company was permitted partial use of floor plate, being that the rest of the floor is to be occupied by another business.
reception / sketches
It all begins with a plan and understanding the user. As this desk will be beautiful, it will also be functional as a work space for the receptionist.
reception / schematics
As sketches turn to models, the design is given life and a new understanding of the materials are formed.
reception / final
The final result incorporates functionality into the aesthetic appeal. Ergonomically planned, this desk also includes interaction space which meet ADA requirements.
conference / sketches
Sketches
conference / schematics
Schematics
conference / final
The final result
Sketching as a Process
See how my brain works
Renderings
