Nododo

The Nododo animal construction toys were developed to create an early relationship between children and the wild animal kingdom. These toys employ multiple forms of play to engage a young audience while conforming to strict manufacturing constraints.

Situation

Inventables, a leading innovator in desktop CNC technology, approached us to design products that could be manufactured using their DIY CNC equipment.

Process

I leaned into the constraints of CNC manufacturing and focused on 3D figures that could be self-assembled from 2D pieces.

Original ideation sketch

Iterations to test design system and tolerances

First character designs cut on desktop CNC

Each design is constrained by CNC working area

Design marked up with feedback

Iterative process led to final designs across many characters

Logo design iterations based on component silhouettes

Brand color palette exploration

Iterations on instructions

Original illustrative branding sketches

Finalized branding graphics

Iterations on packaging design

Product

Each Nododo figure represents a beautiful wild animal species and is fully constructed of interchangeable 2D pieces. Children are encouraged to build the animal, then deconstruct and mix and match pieces to come up with their own imaginative creatures.