A Fantástica
Fábrica de Monstros
The Fantastic Monster Factory is a modular children's toy designed to encourage open ended play and creativity without screens. Inspired by the monster universe created by Porto Alegre street artist Celopax, the toy uses abstract magnetic pieces that let kids mix, build, and invent endless characters and shapes, turning local culture into a playful learning experience.
Project Info
Date: 2025
Type: Children's Toy
Softwares: Keyshot | Rhinoceros 3D | AutoCAD | Procreate
Developed for: UFRGS (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul), Brazil
Brief
Design an analog toy that stimulates creativity, social interaction, and children's learning, acting as a counterpoint to the excessive use of digital devices.
User research
A survey with over 250 responses revealed that families seek fun, educational, affordable toys with lasting engagement, and point to opportunities for more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative play experiences.
Field Observations
We visited a kindergarten and a toy store, where essential insights for the project emerged:
- Open ended materials extend playtime and stimulate creativity
- There is a lack of toys focused on art, especially Brazilian art
- Construction toys strongly engage children
Introducing local art through play
The project introduces children to Brazilian art from an early age by drawing inspiration from street artist Celopax from Porto Alegre, whose bold colors, playful forms, and expressive monster characters can be found across Brazil and around the world. His visual language shapes the toy's identity, connecting children to their city and cultural environment.
Concept development
Different connection systems and shapes were explored to find the ideal balance between playability, safety, and creative freedom for children.
Magnetic cubes with embedded magnets allow pieces to connect freely from multiple faces, enabling open ended construction.
Stacking discs
Pin-hole connection
Flexible material
Chosen concept
The final design uses abstract, rock-shaped magnetic pieces inspired directly by Celopax's monster forms, allowing children to combine colorful modules into endless characters.
From concept to volume
We used clay modeling to explore size and shape, then translated the forms into 3D for prototyping, rendering, and refinement.
Exploring movement
Movement was explored through angular forms and multiple magnetic connections, avoiding flexible materials that are usually environmentally harmful. Instead, the toy is designed to be 3D printed using PLA, a biodegradable filament derived from renewable sources such as sugarcane.
Modular magnetic system
Hidden magnets were embedded inside internal cavities and sealed with caps, enabling endless modular combinations.
Designer
Verônica Vanti
My role
Full design process.
