The Emotional Connection of Design and Toys. 
What makes us fall in love with a toy?

By Peter Wachtel / Gifts and December, June 22, 2010


Quotation by David Ogilvy:

"On hunches, follow them, like the ancient navigators followed the stars. The voyage
 maybe lonely, but the stars will take you where you want to go."


What is being said is a very powerful idea - that the joy of designing a toy may be as simple as mixing a few things we love and combining it with things we want and need in our lives. What a great idea and how lovely to put it that way. I love the idea that it's about familiarity and colors and patterns and things we know from our past that generate positive emotions.


Here is another great quote:

"How can you turn people on to discover new ideas? Take the invisible and make it visible."


The article talks about how when you design the elements that people love, that when these elements are designed in such a way it resonates with them and they feel they already know it and are drawn to it. It's about favorite colors and simple shapes and feeling comfortable - the toy is intended to be something that you can make your own. The trick is "to make something that's fun, good-looking and memorable." Just thinking about all this is very silly and creative and I like the idea of stopping to think about things like this in this way which is like - fun!


Here is another really great quote worth remembering by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"When you are sincerely pleased, you are nourished."

 
So since toys are a way of discovering who we really are who we want to be, it does make sense that they reinforce the basic needs and growing patterns like when we were kids that helped our imaginations and learning processes. I remember Barbie when I was growing up and I remember Hot Wheels for my brother when he was growing up and it's true they are very familiar and I have strong associations with these toys. It's amazing how toys can make such a mark on a persons life for such a long time. I think it's all about thinking in a simple way and in a loving way and making something new in a creative and happy tone toward the joy of life.