From Concept to Reality

Faced with the challenge of integrating smartphone functionality into toys for Ron’s Gone Wrong, expectations were initially modest: use basic light-pipe technology to transmit a single color of light from the phone screen into the toy. But I envisioned a more immersive and dynamic experience—one that used lenses and mirrors to internally project animated images directly onto the surface of the toy.

To prove this ambitious concept could work, I taught myself ray-tracing software to communicate the assembly to our sculptors and engineers in Asia, collaborating with them to create a functional prototype.

Although technically successful, the prototype was not yet resonating with the executives whose support was crucial for moving forward in this radically different direction. It was clear the technical demo was lacking emotional impact, so I created a demonstration of the app to align stakeholders behind a comprehensive product vision.

This demo featured the toy’s face animating and talking directly with the user throughout a variety of experiences, showcasing its potential for deeply personal interactions. This resonated deeply, with executives aligning behind this vision as the clear path forward. Soon after, a patent application was filed for this technology.