PRODUCT DESIGN
& DEVELOPMENT
Project Overview
This product development series showcases a collection of soft silicone squishy toys designed to delight both kids and collectors alike. Each character—Jake the Frenchie, Octo the Diver, Sweetie the Unicorn, and Strawberry Milk—was conceptualized, illustrated, and digitally modeled from scratch, with a strong focus on personality-driven charm and manufacturability. The goal was to create a playful, cohesive collection that balances visual appeal with tactile comfort.
Design Process
The process began with hand-drawn character explorations followed by vector-based orthographic views in Adobe Illustrator to guide 3D modeling and ensure production accuracy. For each character, thoughtful color palettes and signature expressions were used to establish a unique identity. Characters like Jake the Frenchie were developed with multiple side views and signature markings for clear manufacturing guidance. Similarly, Octo the Diver's playful goggles and blushing cheeks enhance its whimsical undersea theme.
3D renders and physical mockups were created to visualize form, scale, and charm. Textures and finishes were selected to optimize the soft-touch feel and squishiness, a key sensory element of the product.
Final Outcome
The final toy line features four collectible squishies, each designed to be eye-catching on shelves and comforting in hand. From the glossy surface of the cheerful dog squishy to the stylized heart-paw details of the unicorn, each design tells its own visual story. The Strawberry Milk carton adds a quirky, kawaii-style character that rounds out the set with a fun nod to nostalgic packaging design.
Impact
These designs highlight my ability to bridge character design with product functionality, combining playful storytelling with manufacturable clarity. The squishies are now production-ready and serve as examples of how branding, design, and consumer delight can come together in a tangible, lovable product line.
