Asteroid: A Unique Outdoor Sports Toy for Kids

Introducing "Asteroid going home" and "Go left to right"

"Asteroid going home" is based on the main theme of four planets - Earth, Mars, Saturn, and Uranus. The design features silicone balls that need four kids to twist their bodies and utilize their waist and abdomen strength to send each planet home, shoulder to shoulder. As the planets slide, the kids must twist continuously to avoid the planets from running around and successfully send the balls into the corresponding color string bags. The goal is for all four planets to roll into the holes completely, resulting in a victory for the kids.

On the other hand, "Go left to right" is a sports toy consisting of two hemispheres connected by an elastic band. The design takes into consideration the comfort of a 3-year-old child's brachial region, ensuring a warm and safe experience when hugging the balls. Two children can work together to open the ball and run left and right respectively, comparing their strength. The elastic band allows the kids to be drawn back, bringing the two hemispheres together for a warm embrace.

Both designs are handmade and utilize digital printing techniques to bring the vibrant colors and planetary details to life. "Asteroid going home" has a disc diameter of 750mm, an inner ring diameter of 700mm, and small ball diameter of 60mm. "Go left to right" measures L: 360mm and W: 300mm.

The journey of creating "Asteroid" started in May 2017 at the Shanghai Art and Design Academy. The design team conducted careful observations of 3-year-old children's balance training and conducted in-depth research on waistline data and arm bending comfort. The team faced challenges in finding suitable materials and quality matching, as well as locating a skilled sewing trainer willing to work on the spherical toy. However, their perseverance paid off, and they successfully overcame these obstacles.

"Asteroid" has gained recognition in the design world and was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products Design category in 2018. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The "Asteroid" design stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its ability to provide fulfillment and positive experiences for children.