final thoughts
May 15th, 2008 by ndd207I’ve given this toy some thought over the past couple weeks, and I think it might be a good one to develop. I’d like to construct it into an integrated fort-type creation. I imagine a tent with a multilayered floor, the bottom levels encompassing a miniature universe of moving stars and moons and suns, with tiny superbright LEDs shining from each element. The very bottom layer will contain the electronics required to allow circular movement within the universe; the second layer will hold the universe elements; the third layer will provide a protective covering; and the fourth layer will be the floor of the tent. The top two layers of the floor will be separated from each other by a clear gel, so the kids can play comfortably without damaging the bottom layers. One thing I haven’t figured out yet is the possibility for interaction or manipulation of the universe by the kids. I think, as proven by the kid testing, they would enjoy the ability to move the stars and moons around, placing them as they will. However, maybe this isn’t essential, as I really think what makes it special for them is that it is a space all their own, separated away from the grownups and made size wise just for them.
the original toy:
I originally intended this to be a puzzle, whereupon all the ‘galaxy’ pieces would fit within the (confined) universe. However, my skills leave something to be desired. The kids seemed perfectly happy to drop things onto the spinning disc, and I think were mostly just interested in this toy because it was hidden under the table, allowing ample opportunity for make-believe. The new version, although slightly drunk because of unforgiving five-year-old hands, functions well as a tent- or fort- light, throwing pretty patterns on the walls of dark, small areas. Some construction elements leave something to be desired…