Helve is designed for both children and cosplayers.
Part toy, part customisable prop and based on simple connections, the Helve system can be used to create multiple new play items or custom props.
Helve encourages creativity by offering an interchangeable and dynamic format, open to imagination and play.
With a multifunctional system comprising of several interlocking components, Helve is very versatile. Plus, with it’s special custom connectors, Helve offers creative building using a variety of materials including the packaging of the product itself.
IN THE BEGINNING
I came up with many initial ideas based on the research I gathered from a previous assignment. They were then reduced down to three ideas which I developed upon. This made me realise which idea I wanted to go through with.
DRAWING AID
Drawing pad templates to improve skill and confidence
This product would include additional tools such as a spirograph-like mechanism along with a range of others that can help improve their drawing skills and a figure to be used as a reference when making characters or drawing people.
The guide would consist of a versatile framework with many interchangeable elements and tools which could be purchased separately to extend the tools available.
The potential for creative play in producing any kind of drawing that the child wants to render would be virtually unlimited.
HANDLE MULTI-TOOL
A fully interchangeable handle system
For the universal handle concept, it was important to consider how the various attachable components would connect to the handle and whether it would be possible to have multiple different attachment points in one unit. After some discussion with colleagues, it was also suggested that the handle could be used on its own, independent of any additional components. Suggestions were its use as a torch or perhaps as a recording device or a speaker, along with other possible electronic components to increase it’s stand-alone versatility.
AR GAME/CUSTOM PHONE CASE
A magnetic cube AR game and a modular phone case
The game idea incorporated AR and intended to use sustainable materials (wooden blocks) printed with AR trigger images so that an app could be used to interact with the physical objects.
The cubes would be connected with either magnets or clips. Varying symbols were explored that could be easy for the app on the phone or tablet to pick up while also being obvious that each symbol means in the context of the game. The custom phone case, although being a separate idea, could could have been merged with the AR game.
