An award winning stacking and Pull along toy designed during a design sprint.
Industrial Designer and Fabricator
Competition entry for a toy design make-a-thon. (winning entry)
What if a toy could stay relevant through multiple developmental phases, evolving from a sensory companion for a 12-month-old into a creative tool for fine motor skills and wildlife discovery?”
Children outgrow toys quickly. As they develop new skills and interests, yesterday's favourites often lose their appeal. Stack n Pull is designed differently, a toy that evolves with the child, offering meaningful play experiences across multiple developmental stages rather than just one.
Each animal represents a different creature type: Duck (bird), Tortoise (reptile), Rabbit (mammal).
✿Three phases. One toy system.
✿ Modular system. Simple assembly. Multiple combinations.
The anatomy: Each animal has 3-4 parts wheeled base, body sections, head. Curved joinery connects them vertically.
Combining parts teaches biological categorization, which features belong to which creatures, while stacking flat on the base keeps all pieces organized in one compact unit.
From concept sketches to laser-cut prototypes exploring form, stability, and how small hands interact with curved joinery.
✿ The curved joinery is the key🗝️
the curved joinery Guides pieces together naturally at age 2, stays secure during pulling phase, creates visual flow that mimics animal movement. Precision only achievable through laser-cutting.
✿ Material & Craft
- Solid wood construction for durability and safety
- Smooth edges and non-toxic finish
- Designed to last through multiple children
Why It Matters
In a market saturated with single-purpose toys, Stack n Pull offers something different:
- thoughtful design that respects both child development and sustainability.
- By serving multiple phases, it reduces consumption and waste. By using modular design, it encourages creativity over prescribed play.
- By choosing wood and careful craft, it's built to last through siblings and generations.
Process Reflection:
Designing Stack n Pull meant understanding how children grow. We mapped cognitive milestones to understand what the needs are and ensured the toy evolved—from a simple pull-along at 12 months to a creative building set and a tool to explore a little bit of creativity until age 4-5. This hit the parental sweet spot: a single, nostalgic wooden item replacing the clutter of multiple cheap plastic toys.
The engineering reality, however, was tricky. Solid wood thick enough for small hands was too heavy for toddlers to manipulate. Our solution was hollow rubberwood construction maintaining a satisfying, chunky grip without the weight. Winning the make-a-thon validated our research and crafting process.
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