DESIGN NAME: Branes
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Construction Toy
INSPIRATION: When we were kids we invented our own toys out of scavenged parts and even rubbish. Can we recreate this experience in a designed product? Today each construction toy system is a gated community that locks you into its own aesthetics.
Can we design a new system to complete instead of to compete with the multitude of existing products? Let each player bring their own personality by mixing up stuff they already own, whether it's LEGO, Meccano, littleBits electronics or just everyday objects.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: MakerBrane's Branes are a constructive play ingredient. 3 compatible modules each with its own personality, combine together in thousands of ways to create solid or moving joints and structures.
Like other construction toys, they are fun to create with by themselves.
Unlike closed brand systems, Branes are universal connectors compatible with third-party ingredients. They are designed to encourage hybrid constructions and aesthetics, creative thinking, and re-use.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Branes come in a generic pack of 64 pieces.
Wheels, electronics, gears, are NOT included. Instead, user can borrow, mix and match what they need from other brands. Branes are cross-brand compatible with more than 20,000 parts including famous brands but also 3D prints and off-the-shelf nuts and bolts, craft, and making materials.
There is no pre-set design included inside the box.
Design instructions are available only online, curated by a global community of creators using the online 3D Design app at makerbrane.com.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project started in 2016 in Beirut, iterated on 5 major design directions, finalised the design and launched manufacturing in Summer 2018.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Injection moulded glossy ABS plastic.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Cardboard box with sleeve 15 x 15 x 5cm;
Contains 64 Branes:
16 Black HalfBranes (40 x 40 x 4mm);
16 White HalfBranes (40 x 40 x 4mm);
32 Yellow PinBranes (40 x 8 x 8mm);
TAGS: construction toy, building system, cross-brand, compatible, designer toy, STEM, STEAM toy
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Main research came through designing iterations, playtesting with children.
CHALLENGE: To create a playful cohesive system with a minimum of different module designs that is compatible with a maximum of existing parts from other brands.
ADDED DATE: 2019-02-27 22:42:42
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Designer: Ayssar Arida
IMAGE CREDITS: MakerBrane, 2018.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patent Pending
Copyrights belong to Ayssar Arida and MakerBrane SAL, 2018
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