IELM Competition Fosters Enterprising Toy Design

The links between engineering and creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship were fruitfully highlighted in the first My Toy Design Competition, hosted by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management (IELM). The contest, originated by IELM Associate Head Prof Ravindra Goonetilleke, attracted an overwhelming response, with 140 teams from local secondary schools and tertiary institutions participating. The initiative was also enthusiastically supported by industry.

In the first round of the competition, each team’s toy design proposal was assessed by a judging panel, comprising international toy professionals and designers, and 23 teams eventually selected to take part in the final. To assist finalists and encourage the public to learn more about the toy business, a four-day workshop was held at HKUST in March, with top industrialists and professionals involved in innovative design and toy manufacturing sharing their experience. At the final evaluation in May, each team was given 15 minutes to present their concept and explain the design of their toy.

Entries were assessed on play value, creativity, marketability and aesthetics, with the eventual Gold, Silver and Bronze award-winners all from the Hong Kong Design Institute. Two Special Awards were also given to two teams of students from Sha Tin Government Secondary School, who showed thoughtfulness and empathy in designing toys for visually impaired children.

Over 100 distinguished guests and students attended the award presentation ceremony at HKUST in June. An exhibition showcasing the winning and finalist entries was held after the ceremony.