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EXPERIMENTS

PLAYTISSERIE YOYOS

PLAYTISSERIE YOYOS

Collectible Yoyos as a

Physical UX Experience

TIMELINE

8 Weeks

Spring 2025

TIMELINE

8 Weeks

Spring 2025

ROLE

Brand Lead

Product Designer

ROLE

Brand Lead

Product Designer

TEAM

1 Designer (Me!)

2 Mechanical Engineers

TEAM

1 Designer (Me!)

2 Engineers

TOOLS

Adobe Illustrator

Rhino3D

SolidWorks

TOOLS

Illustrator

Rhino3D

SolidWorks

SKILLS

Product Strategy

Brand Identity

Manufacturing

SKILLS

Product Strategy

Brand Identity

Manufacturing

TIMELINE

8 Weeks

Spring 2025

TOOLS

Adobe Illustrator

Rhino3D

SolidWorks

ROLE

Brand Lead

Product Designer

SKILLS

Product Strategy

Brand Identity

Manufacturing

TEAM

1 Designer (Me!)

2 Mechanical Engineers

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OVERVIEW

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OVERVIEW

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OVERVIEW

CONTEXT

Launching a product line around Mother's Day

Each May, Penn’s Venture Lab hosts a market for students to launch and sell small-batch product lines. This event attracts a diverse audience shopping for Mother’s Day and graduation gifts.

CONTEXT

Launching a product line around Mother's Day

Each May, Penn’s Venture Lab hosts a market for students to launch and sell small-batch product lines. This event attracts a diverse audience shopping for Mother’s Day and graduation gifts.

CONTEXT

Launching a product line around Mother's Day

Each May, Penn’s Venture Lab hosts a market for students to launch and sell small-batch product lines. This event attracts a diverse audience shopping for Mother’s Day and graduation gifts.

CHALLENGE

Design a giftable product and memorable customer experience that appeals to multiple generations

Target Audience

Students

Mothers

Visiting Families

OUTCOME

26 Delightful Collectible Yoyos

Pastel colorways, customization stickers, and pâtisserie-themed packaging transformed each yoyo into a fun customer experience.

Students and children engaged with the toy through hands-on play, while parents were drawn to its decorative appeal and craftsmanship.

OUTCOME

26 Delightful Collectible Yoyos

Pastel colorways, customization stickers, and pâtisserie-themed packaging transformed each yoyo into a fun customer experience.

Students and children engaged with the toy through hands-on play, while parents were drawn to its decorative appeal and craftsmanship.

OUTCOME

26 Delightful Collectible Yoyos

Pastel colorways, customization stickers, and pâtisserie-themed packaging transformed each yoyo into a fun customer experience.

Students and children engaged with the toy through hands-on play, while parents were drawn to its decorative appeal and craftsmanship.

We sold out at the market.

We sold out at the market.

DISPLAY

DISPLAY

DISPLAY

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CONCEPT & STRATEGY

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CONCEPT & STRATEGY

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CONCEPT & STRATEGY

So, Why Yoyos?

We wanted to create a product that fit the following criteria:

So, Why Yoyos?

We wanted to create a product that fit the following criteria:

So, Why Yoyos?

We wanted to create a product that fit the following criteria:

Reproducible

Small and simple enough to prototype, iterate, and manufacture multiple units within a short timeline

Reproducible

Small and simple enough to prototype, iterate, and manufacture multiple units within a short timeline

Reproducible

Small and simple enough to prototype, iterate, and manufacture multiple units within a short timeline

Physically Interactive

Encourages hands-on play in contrast to screen-based experiences

Physically Interactive

Encourages hands-on play in contrast to screen-based experiences

Physically Interactive

Encourages hands-on play in contrast to screen-based experiences

Nostalgic

Draws on memories of childhood to create emotional appeal across age groups

Nostalgic

Draws on memories of childhood to create emotional appeal across age groups

Nostalgic

Draws on memories of childhood to create emotional appeal across age groups

Engineering Challenge

Provides a meaningful mechanical design challenge for the engineering team

Engineering Challenge

Provides a meaningful mechanical design challenge for the engineering team

Engineering Challenge

Provides a meaningful mechanical design challenge for the engineering team

Why Macaron Yoyos?

The team bonded over getting coffee at the nearest Paris Baguette before each meeting. Eventually, the bakery's macarons sparked inspiration, as its shape and size made it the perfect analog for a yoyo.

Why Macaron Yoyos?

The team bonded over getting coffee at the nearest Paris Baguette before each meeting. Eventually, the bakery's macarons sparked inspiration, as its shape and size made it the perfect analog for a yoyo.

Why Macaron Yoyos?

The team bonded over getting coffee at the nearest Paris Baguette before each meeting. Eventually, the bakery's macarons sparked inspiration, as its shape and size made it the perfect analog for a yoyo.

We also analyzed other trendy products to understand what made them successful. This research further informed our product strategy.

We also analyzed other trendy products to understand what made them successful. This research further informed our product strategy.

Competitive Analysis

  • Vibrant Colorways

    Starfaces's bold-colored, star-shaped acne patches turn everyday skincare into a form of self-expression.

    Likewise, the Plâytisserie yoyo product line comes in various macaron "flavors" in memorable colors.

  • Colorful Collectible Sets

    Pop Mart's Labubus are cute monsters with limited unique colorways limited drives repeat purchases by offering different colors each season to encourage collecting.

    Our limited release of macaron yoyo colors encourages collectibility and the desire to complete the set.

  • Packaging as Product

    Liquid Death uses rebellious beer-style packaging to transform water into a product with a personality. The brand is the packaging.

    This concept inspired our approach to packaging: the brand concept is elevated by its luxury desserts box design.

  • Personalization

    With every purchase, Glossier gifts a cute sticker sheet for customers to personalize their makeup containers with.

    This inspired our illustrated sticker sheet for customers to personalize their yoyos.

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PRODUCTION

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PRODUCTION

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PRODUCTION

From Model to Market

The production process started with a digital 3D model. We then created a 3D print of the model to create molds, which allowed us to mass produce identical parts for our product.

From Model to Market

The production process started with a digital 3D model. We then created a 3D print of the model to create molds, which allowed us to mass produce identical parts for our product.

From Model to Market

The production process started with a digital 3D model. We then created a 3D print of the model to create molds, which allowed us to mass produce identical parts for our product.

3D Modeling

  1. 3D scan real macaron and upload to Solidworks

  1. Model yoyo mechanical components in Solidworks:

    1. Macaron split into halves

    2. Ball bearing

    3. Axle

    4. Axle caps

3D MODEL (CREATED BY ENGINEER)

3D MODEL (CREATED BY ENGINEER)

3D MODEL (CREATED BY ENGINEER)

Manufacturing

  1. 3D print macaron halves

  1. Create silicone molds of macaron halves

  1. Cast pigmented resin into molds

  1. Vacuum seal resin to prevent bubbles

  1. Cure resin in mold for 24 hours

  1. Remove resin from mold and saw off any attachments

  1. Drill hole in center of each macaron half for axle assembly

  1. Sand and polish for smooth finish

  1. Assemble mechanical components with 2 macaron halves

  1. Tie yoyo string around central axle

Scroll to iterations

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BRANDING & PACKAGING

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BRANDING & PACKAGING

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BRANDING & PACKAGING

BRAND IDENTITY

Play Meets Pâtisserie

Soft pastels, cursive script, hand-drawn illustrations, and macaron "flavors" come together to shape the sweet brand identity.

BRAND IDENTITY

Play Meets Pâtisserie

Soft pastels, cursive script, hand-drawn illustrations, and macaron "flavors" come together to shape the sweet brand identity.

BRAND IDENTITY

Play Meets Pâtisserie

Soft pastels, cursive script, hand-drawn illustrations, and macaron "flavors" come together to shape the sweet brand identity.

Packaging designed to feel like a luxury dessert box

Complete with a ribbon pull and vibrant interiors, each box feels crafted with intention.

Details, such as wax paper lining and the circular product reveal window, enhance the dessert-like unboxing experience.

Packaging designed to feel like a luxury dessert box

Complete with a ribbon pull and vibrant interiors, each box feels crafted with intention.

Details, such as wax paper lining and the circular product reveal window, enhance the dessert-like unboxing experience.

Packaging designed to feel like a luxury dessert box

Complete with a ribbon pull and vibrant interiors, each box feels crafted with intention.

Details, such as wax paper lining and the circular product reveal window, enhance the dessert-like unboxing experience.

Custom Packaging

  1. Draw dielines in Rhino3D + Illustrator

  1. Use dieline files to lasercut cardboard and custom sticker wrap

  1. Fold cardboard into box and glue into shape

  1. Spraypaint drawer box interior with unique colors

  1. Wrap sticker wrap around drawer box and outer box

  1. Glue plastic around circular box opening to create the circular product reveal window

  1. Attach ribbon pull tab for opening

  1. Line box with wax paper

  1. Fill with macaron yoyo, extra string, and stickers.

PACKAGING COMPONENTS

PACKAGING COMPONENTS

PACKAGING COMPONENTS

PACKAGING

PACKAGING

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EXPERIENCE

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EXPERIENCE

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EXPERIENCE

Every yoyo purchase feels like you're ordering a French pastry

The team wore matching aprons and decorated our booth with baking supplies, custom-designed menus, and flowers.

Customers selected their yoyo from the display tray, which we then packaged with a nice bow.

Every yoyo purchase feels like you're ordering a French pastry

The team wore matching aprons and decorated our booth with baking supplies, custom-designed menus, and flowers.

Customers selected their yoyo from the display tray, which we then packaged with a nice bow.

Every yoyo purchase feels like you're ordering a French pastry

The team wore matching aprons and decorated our booth with baking supplies, custom-designed menus, and flowers.

Customers selected their yoyo from the display tray, which we then packaged with a nice bow.

THE TEAM :)

THE TEAM :)

TEAM

CUSTOMERS

TEAM

CUSTOMERS

STICKERS ON YOYO

STICKERS ON YOYO

STICKERS

MENUS & STICKERS

DISPLAY

MENUS & STICKERS

After the event, many customers shared clips of them playing with the yoyos, proving the project was a success!

After the event, many customers shared clips of them playing with the yoyos, proving the project was a success!

After the event, many customers shared clips of them playing with the yoyos, proving the project was a success!

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ITERATIONS

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ITERATIONS

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ITERATIONS

Getting to the final outcome took lots of iterations along every step of the way

Every variable became something that needed to be tested. From design to material, getting to a successful product required many failed attempts.

Additionally, a yoyo requires perfect balance and friction to work, meaning that each unit had to be perfectly weighted and smooth.

Getting to the final outcome took lots of iterations along every step of the way

Every variable became something that needed to be tested. From design to material, getting to a successful product required many failed attempts.

Additionally, a yoyo requires perfect balance and friction to work, meaning that each unit had to be perfectly weighted and smooth.

Getting to the final outcome took lots of iterations along every step of the way

Every variable became something that needed to be tested. From design to material, getting to a successful product required many failed attempts.

Additionally, a yoyo requires perfect balance and friction to work, meaning that each unit had to be perfectly weighted and smooth.

Starting with the form

We spent the first 1-2 weeks deciding on the mechanisms of the yoyo.

Starting with the form

We spent the first 1-2 weeks deciding on the mechanisms of the yoyo.

Starting with the form

We spent the first 1-2 weeks deciding on the mechanisms of the yoyo.

BRAINSTORMING

BRAINSTORMING

BRAINSTORMING

SKETCHES

SKETCHES

SKETCHES

Designing the mold system became critical to yoyo performance

Even minor air bubbles or misalignment created uneven weight distribution, preventing smooth return.

Designing the mold system became critical to yoyo performance

Even minor air bubbles or misalignment created uneven weight distribution, preventing smooth return.

Designing the mold system became critical to yoyo performance

Even minor air bubbles or misalignment created uneven weight distribution, preventing smooth return.

Mechanical Constraints & Failures

Open-Face Mold

These molds reduced air bubbles.

However, they also created rippled surfaces that were challenging to smoothen out.

This uneven surface caused too much friction, preventing the yoyo from springing back.

Gated Injection Mold

These molds required attachments that create funnel shapes for casting.

This technique required more manual labor during the refinement process to remove all the excess attachments.

There were also more issues with large airbubbles.

Through-Axle vs. Embedded Axle

For aesthetic purposes, we wanted to keep the axle embedded in the macaron.

However, this system was not secure enough, and the yoyo often detached from the axle.

Therefore, we had to opt for the through-axle system.

Choosing the right material

Not all materials create the most desired effects.

Choosing the right material

Not all materials create the most desired effects.

Choosing the right material

Not all materials create the most desired effects.

Task 9 Urethane Resin

Characteristics: Tough, plasticky, shiny

Notes: Produced more bubbles, feels more brittle, harder to sand

Smooth-Cast 320 Urethane Resin

Characteristics: Softer, slightly elastic, matte

Notes: Naturally has white base making it easier to color in pastels, feels better suited

Everything became a variable that needed testing

Every variable became something that needed to be tested. From design to material, getting to a successful product required many failed attempts.

Everything became a variable that needed testing

Every variable became something that needed to be tested. From design to material, getting to a successful product required many failed attempts.

Everything became a variable that needed testing

Every variable became something that needed to be tested. From design to material, getting to a successful product required many failed attempts.

Resin Color Tests

How much white pigment is needed to create pastel colors and desired opacity?

Resin Mixing Strategies

How should we mix prepare the resin pigment to prevent speckling?

Resin Mixing Strategies

How should we mix prepare the resin pigment to prevent speckling?

Vacuum Time

How long should the resin sit in the vacuum to remove enough air before bubbling over?

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REFLECTION

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REFLECTION

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REFLECTION

The process takes dedication!

There were many moments when the team thought our project would fail because we could not get our yoyos to function for weeks.

As a designer, I learned how to create a brand identity, strategize a product for an audience, and work collaboratively with mechanical engineers.

What I learned

In physical product design, manufacturing decisions shape performance as much as aesthetics. Iterating on molds, materials, and axle alignment showed how small inconsistencies can disrupt the entire user experience.

Working across design and engineering disciplines pushed me to think systemically, considering resource and mechanical constraints.

The process takes dedication!

There were many moments when the team thought our project would fail because we could not get our yoyos to function for weeks.

As a designer, I learned how to create a brand identity, strategize a product for an audience, and work collaboratively with mechanical engineers.

And at the end of it all, we celebrated our hard work by eating real macarons, of course :)

And at the end of it all, we celebrated by eating real macarons, of course.

WHICH IS THE REAL MACARON?

WHICH IS THE REAL MACARON?

WHICH IS THE REAL MACARON?