Toy & Game Designing

Ashutosh Khurana | Co-founder & CEO | Mind Edutainment

What is Toy & Game Designing?

There are many nuances of a Career in Toy & Game Designing. One should first understand What a Career in Toy & Game Designing entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Toy & Game Designing. It is best to learn about Toy & Game Designing from a real professional, this is akin to getting it from the horse's mouth.

Co-founder & CEO Ashutosh Khurana is an experienced professional with 10 years in Toy & Game Designing. Co-founder & CEO Ashutosh Khurana defines Toy & Game Designing as:

Toy and Game Designing aims to develop a professional and creative approach to the growing needs and aspirations in the field of education and entertainment.

How Co-founder & CEO Ashutosh Khurana got into Toy & Game Designing?

After graduating in mechanical engineering from NIT, Kurukshetra, i worked with Dunken's group for sometime before deciding to do masters in Advertising Management. After my masters, I joined a research agency and then Pidilite Industries where I worked as a Research Engineer. I then joined HFCL as Marketing Research and went on to become Business Research. After working there for few years, I joined Reliance and worked there for 8 years in various functions. In 2009, I founded Mind Edutainment which is a game based learning organisation.

Co-founder & CEO Ashutosh Khurana's Talk on Toy & Game Designing

Exploring the World of Toy and Game Design: A Pathway to Creativity and Impact In today's rapidly evolving economy, the field of toy and game design presents a unique intersection of creativity, education, and social impact—especially in a country like India. As the fifth largest economy is now emerging, there is a growing demand for innovative thinkers who can inspire the next generation. Ashutosh Khurana, an experienced professional in this field, shares his journey and insights, shedding light on how this career path can shape both individual futures and societal outcomes. What Is Toy & Game Design? Toy and game design is a specialized field focused on creating products that are engaging, educational, and entertaining for children. This discipline merges creative ideation with applied functionality, ensuring that each product not only appeals aesthetically but also serves to enhance learning and development. According to Ashutosh, understanding design requires grasping the iterative nature of transforming an idea into a commercial product. For instance, a simple board game is the result of extensive research and design to ensure it meets educational goals while also being fun and interactive. This expansive scope of toy and game design is what makes it an exciting field for innovative thinkers. Education Drawing A foundational skill in toy and game design is the ability to draw. Strong drawing skills help designers visualize their concepts, whether on paper or through computer-aided software. As Ashutosh mentions, the capacity to create prototypes begins with sketching ideas, which later evolve into tangible products. Being proficient in drawing not only accelerates the design process but allows for clearer communication of ideas to team members and stakeholders. Statistical Research Statistical research plays a crucial role in understanding market demands and consumer preferences in toy design. By utilizing statistical methods, designers can assess the viability of their concepts and gauge potential success. Ashutosh's experience highlights the significance of this skill when identifying trends that resonate with children and parents alike. Research findings inform decisions and refine designs, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of educational toys. Software Familiarity with design software is essential for modern toy and game designers. Ashutosh emphasizes that engaging with various design applications broadens one's capabilities in prototyping and digital modeling. As the industry evolves, being adept with software tools enables designers to experiment and iterate on their concepts more efficiently, aligning their creative visions with technological possibilities. Field Requirements Engaging with actual users—children in this case—is critical to toy design. Designers must convert theoretical concepts into real-world applications that provide joy and learning. Ashutosh speaks about the need to create engaging experiences, leading to an invaluable avenue for field testing and gathering feedback to refine products. Understanding how children interact with toys can guide adjustments that cater to their developmental needs effectively. Skills Problem Solving One of the core skills in toy and game design is problem-solving, as designers continuously seek to address challenges through innovative solutions. Ashutosh illustrates this by highlighting how every new toy aims to solve a specific issue, whether enhancing cognitive development or encouraging social skills. This continuous pursuit not only fuels creativity but also instills a sense of purpose in the designer's work. Analytical Skills Analytical skills complement problem-solving abilities by allowing designers to evaluate the effectiveness of their concepts critically. This evaluation process involves assessing prototypes based on user interaction and feedback, ensuring that products resonate with children and fulfill educational objectives. Ashutosh underscores the importance of balancing creativity and analysis to achieve successful design outcomes. Artistic Skills Artistic skills are fundamental to creating visually appealing products that can captivate children's imaginations. This involves a blend of creativity and technical skill, allowing designers to formulate unique concepts that stand out in a crowded market. According to Ashutosh, the ability to convey creative ideas visually differentiates successful designs from the mundane, making artistic expression a vital component of a designer's toolkit. Interpersonal Skills Collaboration is crucial in the field of toy and game design, requiring strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with various stakeholders. Ashutosh notes that designers often collaborate with educators, child psychologists, and other specialists to create well-rounded products. Developing these relationships fosters an environment where ideas can flourish, ultimately benefiting the end-user. Self Awareness Self-awareness is key for understanding personal strengths and weaknesses as a designer. As Ashutosh reflects, deepening one's understanding of their cognitive processes can lead to better designs. A designer’s ability to connect with their users stems from recognizing their own emotions and experiences, which can be translated into products that resonate on a personal level with children. Constant Up-gradation The design industry is fast-paced, requiring designers to stay updated with current trends and technologies. This commitment to continuous learning allows designers to innovate and remain relevant in a competitive market. Ashutosh encourages aspiring designers to actively seek out learning opportunities, whether through formal education or self-directed projects, to hone their craft consistently. Positives Shaping the Future One of the most rewarding aspects of being a toy and game designer is the opportunity to shape the minds of future generations. Creating engaging and educational products contributes positively to children's development, making the role especially fulfilling. Ashutosh feels a deep sense of satisfaction when he sees the impact that thoughtfully designed games have on children's learning and socialization. Wide Scope The field of toy and game design is not limited to one specialty; designers can explore various forms of design—from product to environmental and communication design. This breadth of experience enriches a designer's perspective and strengthens their overall skill set. Ashutosh shares his journey, illustrating how his background in engineering paved the way for his diverse approach to design. Career Freedom Toy and game design offers a unique blend of employment opportunities, enabling professionals to work for companies, freelance, or even start their own ventures. This flexibility allows individuals to pursue their passions and create products that they believe will have a positive impact. Ashutosh's own entrepreneurial experience with Mind Entertainment exemplifies this freedom, highlighting the potential to establish a personal brand within the industry. Overall Growth The continual evolution of toys and games ensures that every project is distinct and engaging. Ashutosh remarks that the challenges associated with each new design not only facilitate professional growth but also personal development. This dynamic environment keeps the work exciting and allows designers to reflect and improve continuously. Challenges Finding New Ideas Identifying fresh problems to solve is a significant challenge in the toy and game design field. As Ashutosh explains, navigating the ideation process can be cumbersome and requires a constant influx of creativity. This ongoing search for innovative solutions can lead to frustration, particularly when ideas do not pan out as expected. Balancing the Idea & Market Requirements Another challenge designers face is striking a balance between their unique ideas and market expectations. Often, a designer may feel strongly about a particular concept, but it is essential to ensure that it aligns with current market needs and consumer desires. Ashutosh emphasizes the importance of feedback loops to help navigate this balance effectively. Protection of Intellectual Property In a highly competitive industry, safeguarding one's creative work is paramount. For independent designers, understanding the intricacies of intellectual property protection can be daunting. Ashutosh notes that navigating legal guidance is essential to ensure that one's ideas are not only recognized but also protected against infringement. A Day Of Toy & Game Design A typical day for a designer often oscillates between intense creative brainstorming sessions and quieter reflective periods. As Ashutosh describes, when engaged with a pressing design challenge, the focus is total, leading to extended hours of deep thinking and collaboration with peers. However, this frenzied energy often necessitates downtime to recharge creatively, emphasizing a rhythmic balance between intense focus and recuperation. On days when there are no immediate challenges, the focus shifts to discussions and discovering new design opportunities, often culminating in collaborative brainstorming sessions to tackle future projects. Every Saturday, Ashutosh and his team present ideas for problems they could address, making these meetings valuable for generating collective inspiration and direction. Conclusion The career of a toy and game designer is not just about creating products; it's about impacting lives through innovative design and education. Ashutosh Khurana’s experiences remind us of the potential each designer has to influence the future of children's learning. As the demand for engaging, thoughtful educational tools grows, this vibrant field presents opportunities for creativity, professional freedom, and personal fulfillment. Aspiring designers are encouraged to embrace their passions, equip themselves with the necessary skills, and explore the rich possibilities that lie within the world of toy and game design.

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How to get into

Toy & Game Designing?

If you are want to get into Toy & Game Designing, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Toy & Game Designing is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Co-founder & CEO Ashutosh Khurana's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/ashutoshkhurana

LifePage Career Talk on Toy & Game Designing

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/toy-and-game-designing

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20190202-0003

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq5O9ANVDWc

(Toy & Game Designing, Ashutosh Khurana, Mind Edutainment, Co-Founder, CEO, Designing, Games, Toys, Designing)

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