Kinder Surprise


Group Project: Conor McArthur, Hou Yanyan, Cin Yie Chang, Emma Michel, Luca Trevisani
Ferrero x Politecnico di Milano, 2022

Project Overview

This collaborative project challenged us to design and prototype a toy concept for Kinder Surprise under strict safety and feasibility constraints. What seemed at first a simple brief became an intricate design challenge, as our ideas were judged on four criteria: playability, originality, feasibility, and safety.

Each toy had to be composed of fewer than four pieces, pass stringent choking hazard gauge tests, and be optimised for injection moulding. Smooth shapes were disallowed to prevent blockages, and mechanisms needed to be both intuitive and innovative, while still compact enough to fit inside Kinder’s signature capsules.

Process & Methods

  • Conducted iterative user testing with children to refine toy playability and engagement.
  • Explored mechanical principles for simple yet surprising motion.
  • Developed technical skills in 3D modelling and 3D printing to prototype and validate concepts.
  • Collaborated as a multi-disciplinary team, balancing design, safety testing, leaflet design, and product development.

Outcome

My focus was on a flower toy that changes expression as it spins when a child blows on it — a playful and interactive design encouraging both curiosity and delight. Prototyping and testing ensured that the toy met Kinder Ferrero’s strict requirements while retaining an element of surprise and joy, central to the brand’s identity.