Teaching children while they’re young is absolutely vital to developing their problem solving skills, which is why the design for these STEAM toys are incredibly valuable. Each toy utilizes geometric block elements, rich colors, and kind expressions to give each toy their own unique personality and story. The colored elements for each toy represent distinct hair or clothing features on the doll. By giving each toy their own story and journey, STEAM is a line of toys that will not only teach children but allow them to return to the toy line again and again.
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Research has demonstrated that the drive to explore, interact, and observe in human beings begins in early childhood (Birth-age 5). Experiences that help children early on include hands-on experiences. These allow children to explore their curiosities and interests and develop and test theories in everyday situations. STEAM Mates allows girls to be exposed to STEAM fields early so they are able to gain confidence in their abilities. The brand offers five unique toys in each of the five categories that develop their understanding of each.
For the brand, I created and designed five unique toys that each have to do with the five categories of STEAM. The toys are: Harmony the Science Doll, Margo the Technology Doll, Peggy the Engineering Doll, Artie the Art Doll, and Mathilda the Math Doll. Harmony teaches science through the scale, Margo teaches technology through cause and effect with the wheel, Peggy teaches engineering through making systems with gears, Artie teaches art through creativity with building blocks, and Mathilda teaches math through geometry and shape sorting. Each package design features a unique color palette and pattern system that helps differentiate each toy for what they teach.
I also decided the brand would offer a series of children’s books, where each toy would be a main character and take the child through learning more about the subject. I wrote and illustrated the book for Margo, the Technology Doll. I included some shots of that book.
