Mummy
Our team partnered with Ferrero to engineer a new layer of playability for the Kinder assortment, while ensuring seamless integration into both Surprise and Joy capsules.
This project outcome is confidential, but below you can find an idea of the process our team went through.
Politecnico di Milano
Team
Angelina Aroule
Einar Rosenhaug Bjørset Killian Pupat
Tobias van Oudheusden
Tools
KeyShot | Adobe Suite | Procreate | Fusion 360 | Miro
Duration
5 weeks (2022)
Research on Manufacturing
Our team began the process by understanding the constrains of passed by both the company and also the existing manufacturing processes. It was important for the toy to include a new kind of playability that does not yet exist in the Kinder assortment. Buying numerous Kinder Surprises to assemble and understand the …
Ideation & Concept Selection
Our team hosted a brainstorming workshop focused on the theme of "Movement." We identified 10 key movement types, which served as the foundation for a second ideation round to develop specific game mechanics. Using Miro, we organized these concepts into a matrix and voted on eight top directions. After presenting to the client, four key concepts were selected for further development.
Iterative Development
We moved the four concepts into a rapid prototyping phase. During this stage, one idea was cut to allow for deeper refinement of the three strongest directions. Working in pairs, we focused on ergonomics, assembly logic, and material selection through a cycle of sketching and 3D modeling to ensure a seamless "new layer" of playability.
Prototyping & Engineering
Precision was critical to ensure every component fit within both Kinder Surprise and Kinder Joy capsules. We 3D printed every part to test ergonomics and conducted rigorous Choke/Gauge testing to meet safety standards. To maintain low production costs, we engineered the parts to align with the client’s existing manufacturing capabilities. We kept refining the dimensions until all the parts fit the capsules and also passed the safety tests.
Final Design & Storytelling
The final delivery encompassed the entire user journey, from the initial "crack" of the chocolate to the final assembly. To achieve that we designed kid-friendly instructions using Photoshop and Procreate to include inside the chocolate egg. Our final toys emphasized the need for toys to be accessible for both right- and left-handed kids.
Client Feedback
The client felt in particular excited about one toy we developed, which could fit their US Halloween collection. They specifically highlighted the project’s attention to detail and the balance between innovative play and low manufacturing costs.
Reflection
This project bridged the gap between conceptual design and technical engineering. It required a deep understanding of material properties and cost-efficiency. Given more time, I would have conducted user testing with children to observe their natural approach to the assembly process and further refine the intuitive design.