Design for Play

with Jake Brosius

Offsite Student

Toys are often our first encounter with a designed object. This introductory course explores how play shapes interaction and imagination, how core industrial design principles extend into the realm of toy design, and what makes it truly fun. Students will examine the toy industry, past and present, develop skills in concept generation, prototyping, pitching, and build a foundation for pursuing toy design.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of toy design principles and workflows, from concept development through tech pack creation.

Apply toy design and play-based strategies to elevate industrial design projects.

Navigate the toy industry with an understanding of its business models and market landscape.

Design within safety requirements and real-world constraints.

Communicate design ideas through storytelling and narrative, including mood boards, themes, and foundational character design.

Use prototyping and simple mechanisms to test, validate, and refine toy concepts.

Understand common materials used in toy design, including plastics and fabrics, and the distinctions between soft and hard goods.

Schedule

Tuesday & Thursdays, 4PM - 5PM CST

Jake Brosius

Jake Brosius is an award-winning toy and industrial designer based in Philadelphia. His work spans globally recognized brands including iHome, OXO, Smart Design, and entertainment powerhouses such as Warner Media, Nickelodeon, Marvel, and Star Wars.

As Senior Designer at BarkBox, Jake played a key role in reshaping the pet toy category, helping bring hundreds of products to market through playful innovation and deep user insight.

Today, he leads his own independent design studio, crafting products that blend creativity, functionality, and storytelling—with curiosity and wonder guiding every project.