Toy designing/making is a massive field. A career in toy designing has much scope as toys are vital to a child's growth and development. As long as there are babies and children around there will be a need for toys- Toys expand the realm of imagination, and toy designers play an important role in the entertainment and education of children. Toy designing is a culmination of two qualities - creativity and ability to understand children or user needs. Playing is the means by which children have fun, learn things more easily and become creative.
Toys and games have a great role to play in self learning. Toys help in boosting up problem solving skills in children and makes them self reliant. It helps the children to develop their imagination and fantasies. There are different kinds of toys - toys that teach, that are games for the family and those that are just fun and play. In the case of adults, toys and games enhance the quality of life and improves the developmental and physical aspects. Toys in ancient times used to be made of natural products such as wood, stone and clay, indeed the first yo-yo's are recorded to have been made of clay discs. Today, toys are often made from plastic, fur and other synthetic materials.
Toy design is multidisciplinary in nature. It revolves around the elements of product design, animation and human psychology. Knowledge in graphic design, mechanical drawing, and color usage is essential for success in this field. Toy designers work with child experts in determining the requirement of each age level and create toys suited for each group. The success of toy designers depends on their ability to understand the market and develop beautiful, entertaining, imaginative and safe toys.
Educational
Specific courses are rare in this area, however those with background in graphic design, industrial design or cartooning can enter the field. Toy designers should have a working knowledge of computers. Others may have experience in engineering, and marketing. Engineering background is required for high end toys i.e toys which have become more sophisticated with technology.
Courses –
Des. [Toy and game designing]
Des [Toy and Game Designing]
Colleges / Institutes
Institute of toy making Technology (ITMT), Kolkata-700091
National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad-380007
NIMS University, Jaipur
Job Roles –
Preparing sketches of detailed drawings, ideas, artwork, illustration, blueprints etc by using drafting instruments and computer-aided designing software.
Evaluating the feasibility of design ideas, depending upon factors like safety, appearance, serviceability, budget, function, production costs, market characteristic etc.
Coordinate and direct fabrication of samples or models and drafting work drawings as also specification sheets.
Presenting reports and designs to customers and design committees for due approval or the need for modifications.
Confer with the marketing, production, sales, engineering and other departments for establishing and evaluating the design concepts for the manufactured products.