AxisGroup International Inc.

Toys

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Toy Characteristics



First of all, toys are attractive to children. Toys appeal to
children's well-developed love of order and routine with simple
regular forms.Ornamentation on toys is also simplified, and
lends itself to simple explanation (a butterfly or a Ninja Turtle).

Toys are also comprehensible to children, without explanation.
In fact, if offered an explanation, a child will often take issue
with it. Children intuitively understand that they are the toy
experts, and are confident in their command of them.
 
Toys are amusing, even sly caricatures of things seen in real
life. Miniaturisation alone guarantees amusement, reducing
the serious by scale. The element of surprise is frequently
built into toys, providing cause for delight. All moving parts
increase the range of unexpected shapes or motions to be
discovered.
 
Toys are practical. They must be ruggedly built and cleanable
to withstand their use by children.

 

© 1993- 1995 Alexander Manu ©1995 Danish Design Centre "ToolToys - Tools with an Element of Play "
The author grants permission to make a digital or hard copy of part or all of this work for personal use provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit. The copyright notice and the title of the publication must appear on all printed copies.