Veggies: A Toy Set Promoting Outdoor Play and Sustainable Living

Enhancing Children's Curiosity and Socialization

The inspiration for Veggies came from the need to reconnect families from urban centers with the natural landscapes of their own cities. By providing an analog and simple experience, this toy promotes creative play and safe family environments where children feel comfortable sharing experiences with their relatives. Additionally, Veggies aims to teach children how to take care of their own food, encouraging the new generations to build a more sustainable living future.

What sets Veggies apart from other toys is its focus on promoting suitable and engaging play for children at a wide range of ages. The set includes four toy vegetables (carrot, beet, onion, and potato) and two shovels (one kids-size and one adult-size) with three different interchangeable heads. The vegetables are split into two pieces, allowing children to add small stones and shells for a sensorial play experience with sound and vibration. The foliage parts are also interchangeable, promoting different configurations for the vegetables.

When it comes to the production process, Veggies has been designed with sustainability in mind. The test prototype was 3D printed using PLA, with the plastic surface smoothed and painted in desired colors. The final product would be made of disposable plastic, grounded into grains and poured into molds for the injection process. This process allows for a mix of different plastics and the addition of color pigments, as well as resistance and durability additives.

During the design development process, extensive research was conducted to ensure that Veggies met the appropriate play, activity, and safety standards for each age group. Questionnaires and interviews with potential users and consumers were conducted to better understand the market segment and competitive price points. The final design was validated through testing with a 2-year-old child, who not only had a fun experience but also unexpectedly engaged in learning vegetable-related vocabulary.

Veggies was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contribute to quality of life improvements, and make the world a better place.

With Veggies, Tati Ferrucio has created a toy that not only brings adults closer to children but also encourages outdoor play, creativity, and sustainable living. By promoting engagement with nature and fostering socialization, Veggies provides a unique and enriching play experience for children.