Designing for Hands That Love to Fidget: How I Make a Sensory-Friendly Toy

I’ve noticed something about people and toys: lots of us like to do something with our hands while we think. That’s why I love designing toys that feel good to hold. Our toys are made for play and fun, and we don’t claim they treat anything. But when I design a new one, I think hard about how it feels, sounds and moves.

The first rule is smooth. Every edge gets checked with my fingertip, because 3D printed parts can have tiny rough spots. The second rule is quiet. A toy that clicks loudly is annoying in a classroom or on a bus, so we test how each joint sounds. The third rule is variety. A dragon with scales, a flat belly and a flexible tail gives your hand lots of different things to explore.

My dad helps me test everything for strength, because a toy that breaks in a pocket is a bad toy. If you want a toy that’s fun to move and pose, have a look at our  Wood Sensory Box