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FOLD-A-BEAT
A packaging project that evolves from a flat, portable package into a fully functional children's drum.
The core design challenge was to create a product that is engaging for children with short attention spans, while being simple enough for them to assemble and use.
The concept evolved from creating a simple musical toy to a deeper exploration of a drum's core function: to produce sound from a surface over a hollow body.
01
IDEATION
DEFINING
The focus shifted from what the product looks like and replicating a traditional drum's appearance to what it fundamentally does. This led to the key question: "What is a drum?"
PROJECT:
INTERACTIVE
CHILD'S DRUM
DEFINING THE PRODUCT"S CORE PURPOSE
I began with a broad mission to come up with a product that would support and help a child's development by fostering exploration of various interests, allowing them to discover passions and develop skills.
WHAT is a DRUM?
& FUNCTION?
To produce sound after striking a surface stretched over a hollow body.
02
EXPLORATION
DESIGNING WITH INTENT
Children have short attention spans therefore, the drum needed to be inherently captivating. The hexagonal shape and complex surface folds link directly to the user's needs. These intentional features to prolong engagement and focus, transforming the drum from a mere instrument into an interactive experience.
Intensive phase of sketching and rapid paper prototyping. I tested dozens of folding patterns and geometric shapes to find one that could morph from a flat sheet into a three-dimensional, stable drum.
LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPING (PAPER)
The goal was to find a form that was exciting for a child, easy to assemble, and structurally sound.
03
MOCK UP
VER 2
VER 1
& REFINEMENT
CHOSEN VER 1
LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPING (PAPER)
VER 1 design was overly complex, requiring three separate pieces to assemble. The goal was to match the packaging's difficulty to a child's ability. I consolidated the design into a single, intuitive component that transforms easily from a flat package into a 3D drum, making assembly simple and frustration-free.
SIMPLIFY
WHY?
Every design choice must tell a story and serve the user.
Elevate with Engaging Details
Research showed kids are attracted to geometric shapes, then from there I experimented with different fold patterns on the drum's faces, adding texture and playfulness to the simple structure.
ASSEMBLY MECHANICS IMPROVEMENT
The locking mechanism was iterated into a simple, effective star-shaped lock that securely holds the drum's base together.
Moving to cardboard for 1:1 scale testing and tangible improvements.
04
FINAL PROTOTYPE
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