Version 3 Development: Website & Manual

Whilst I am waiting for the long wire to complete the prototype physical build, I am going to work on two other things from the task list: an informative website and an instruction manual.

I have completed some development work in my sketchbook and worked out a rough design for the manual and a layout for the website so far. These will also be brought to the focus group for review. In addition to this I will have a look at similar manuals/websites to compare their content and to ensure mine meets the requirements and conveys all the information it should.

Below: Development work from my sketchbook

I had a look at some manuals online whilst developing my list of requirements.

My requirements: Warning, Instructions & Care information all need to be on the manual. The toys themselves will already have a care label on them and these will be removed if they conflict with my care instructions, and any information lost will be put on my new label.

I have decided on a heart theme, and have done a mockup for it. The clip art for the heart is taken from http://technorati.com/politics/article/the-tell-tale-heart/

I changed the design slightly from the drawing and had the two cuddly toys just standing on either side of the heart. I've made them different to represent the two different people that they will belong to, and this is reflected in the differences between the actual toys that i'm using.

This is an official document that allows you to categorise your toys by age: http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/adg.pdf it give age determination guidelines, and takes into consideration factors such as small parts and abuse testing.

'Small Parts Regulation1 In 1979, the Commission issued a regulation under provisions of the FHSA to ban certain toys intended for use by children under 3 years of age if they present a choking, aspiration, or
ingestion hazard because of small parts. This regulation, known as the Small Parts Regulation, is
published in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 16, Sections 1500.18(a)(9), 1500.50–52, and
Part 1501. '

Although this product is being targeted at 18-25 year olds, it may be bought by them to use with younger people so age appropriateness must be taken into consideration.

However, i do not intend the toy to be used for anyone below the age of 3. The most important part of the document was the section on 'Dolls and stuffed toys'. Weight, size and cleaning ability are considered. It is mentioned that children as young as young as 12-18 months can interact with toys that have a sound or visual response to input such a a push button. However, they cannot have toys that represent a choking hazard and the teddy share system would do with the small metal buttons that can probably be pulled off.

Children aged 6-8 begin to respond well to more structured activity, and children as young as 4 can comprehend a moderate to high level of cause-and-effect activity i.e. a movement response to buttons.

From analysis of this document i'd suggest that this toy is appropriate for anyone aged 5 and older in terms of safety and comprehension, so i can add this to the manual mockup.

side 1

side 2

I have noticed though that the layout needs to be on the opposite side for side 2, but for now this is how it will look. The website development will be continued later.