ToyBox: A Beacon of Hope and Play for Children in Need

James Self's Innovative Design Transforms Aid Packaging into a Toy

The inspiration behind ToyBox stems from the harsh reality faced by the world's poorest population, often referred to as The Bottom of the Pyramid. These individuals, with an income of less than two dollars per day, face numerous challenges, including natural disasters, lack of education, and limited opportunities for play. Children in these circumstances often have little or no access to toys, a situation that ToyBox aims to address.

ToyBox's unique design repurposes the cardboard boxes used by charities to distribute relief aid in disaster-stricken areas. Instead of being discarded after use, these boxes become a source of engagement, play, and discovery for children. The design alters the meaning of an aid carton, transforming it from a purely utilitarian object into a tool for creative play.

The prototype of ToyBox utilizes laser cutting to create a functional and engaging toy. The final product is expected to be manufactured using die cutting of corrugated cardboard, a process that aligns with existing manufacturing processes and materials to limit costs. The dimensions of ToyBox follow the standard sizes of cardboard aid cartons.

The ToyBox project originated at the Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) and was developed over the course of eight months. The design process involved extensive research, including a review of existing products and design interventions, interviews with child welfare and psychology experts, and focus group workshops with children. These insights helped shape the design criteria and development of the construction toy concept.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was ensuring that the construction pieces provided a wide range of creative possibilities while also fitting together easily and securely. This was achieved through a prototyping approach, with numerous prototypes tested in focus group workshops with children.

In conclusion, ToyBox is a testament to the power of design in addressing social issues. By repurposing existing aid packaging, it provides opportunities for play and learning to some of the world's most vulnerable children. This innovative design approach has not only transformed the meaning of an aid carton but also earned the project a Silver A' Social Design Award in 2017.