SOLAR SYSTEM STABILE
A space-themed kinetic toy.
I individually designed a space themed kinetic toy. The goal of this project was to plan and design a toy that provided some kinetic quality. While designing my Solar System Stabile, I took inspiration from Alexander Calder’s stabiles, desktop toys, and solar system art.
Project is approximately 12” wide by 12” tall. Project was designed individually. Project has not been manufactured to date.
Overview
Course: Industrial Design
Focus: Research; Ideation; Industrial Design
Timeline: March 2020-May 2020
Competitive Analysis, Ideation, and Mood Board
When researching kinetic toys on the market, I noticed that a lot of the existing toys were either highly scientific, like orrery’s, or very artistic and simple, like abstract wave motions or flapping butterflies. I noticed an opportunity in the market for artistic but modern toys that incorporated principles of science and innovation; so, I ideated around toys that fell into that space. My final concept was highly influenced by my own interests in Alexander Calder’s mobiles and stabiles, my fascination for space and the galaxy, and the various ways that modern art uses color and materials to portray science.
Design Intent and Criteria
I created the following set of criteria by which to base my design: the design should be simple and beautiful, it should abstract scientific concepts, it should be easy and comfortable to interact with and calming to watch, and finally it should be fun to play with!
Model Development
I modeled my stabile on SolidWorks, moving through multiple revisions and design improvements. My initial model included rings to represent the planets (including Pluto), and the rings were only offset in one plane. For the next iteration, I offset the rings in a second plane, and added spheres to planes perpendicular to the rings. I then added a more ergonomic, bearing based handle. Finally I decided on the materials and overall aesthetic appearance of the model.
Design
Introducing the solar system stabile: a kinetic desk toy designed to artistically mimic the planets orbiting the sun.
Manufacturing Plan
Below is the detailed manufacturing plan for the stabile. While the project has not been manufactured to date, the following steps outline how I plan to construct and assemble the different subsystems of the toy.
