Revolutionizing Playtime: Zilan Zhou's Innovative Micro-City Toy Design

Winner of the Silver A' Design Award, Zhou's design redefines the concept of toy packaging

Zhou's design, named "Build Your City," is a micro-city toy blind box. Unlike traditional toys, the packaging of this toy is not just a container but an integral part of the play experience. The box's sides are recessed in the shapes of a cross, L, straight line, and T, transforming the packaging into a micro-city landscape and route. This unique feature takes the play experience from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, fostering creativity, especially among children.

The inspiration behind this design stems from the ongoing discourse on sustainable development. Zhou wanted to make the packaging of toys meaningful and useful, rather than something discarded after the joy of unpacking. By incorporating the packaging as part of the toy, Zhou not only reduces waste but also enhances the play experience.

The toy is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, with the packaging made from paper. The package measures 10cm*10cm*5cm, and the toy approximately 3cm*3cm*3cm. The design process began in September 2020 in Savannah, Georgia, USA, and was completed in March 2021.

The design's realization was not without challenges. Zhou's primary hurdle was figuring out how to make the packaging an integral part of the game. Through a combination of questionnaire surveys, interviews, and secondary research, Zhou was able to overcome this challenge, resulting in a design that is not only innovative but also functional.

Zhou's design has been recognized for its innovation and creativity, winning the Silver A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and Zhou's design certainly fits the bill. With its unique approach to packaging and play, "Build Your City" is a testament to Zhou's creativity and commitment to sustainable design.