Many prototypes never see the light of day. Because ideas are cheap I move pretty fast to collect feedback and see if things are effective or fun. My prototypes range in sophistication and because I'm so willing to move fast the people around the office have lovingly named my tests, "Healytypes." Below are just a few examples.
We were exploring a game where a stepper motor would rotate a ball shooter. The player wants to take their turn as quick as possible to avoid being hit by the ball.
We had an idea to play a game where you were given clues and had to cut the correct wires. This prototype was to prove out that we could "cut" wires and they could be reattached.
We wanted the whole company to vote for ideas so we creating an idea vending machine. We gave everyone RFID cards and when they tapped our machine it dispensed 3 tokens that they voted with.
This was a vehicle we designed to ride on a ribbon track. We 3D printed the housing, gave it a rechargeable power source and it popped on and off the track. We also designed the ribbon connections for the track.
We put 2 spinning wheels together, put a string in between and created this cool effect.
Here we were thinking a safe lawn dart game with a botchy ball type gameplay.
A very quick prototype to test out a Buster Keaton inspired gameplay.
We quickly adapted a toy kit to respond to an IR signal. There were 2 receivers that when they received a signal would tell the wheel to turn towards the source.
We are always trying to explore ways to value engineer existing products and this was an attempt to get more components into a boardgame.
Exploring creative new interactions with blocks.
This is the prototype that spawned the name, "Healytype." I put this together in an afternoon with some marbles, toy gears, a reduced motor pulled out of a printer and an air pump.
We 3D printed a simple stand, attached a pump and placed a balloon on top.
We wanted to create a low priced outdoor game that flew and could be a game.
I 3D printed a mounting plate to test a secret way to attach and detach the device from the door. Room Defender had a manufacturing run of 25k.
This is an early working prototype used to communicate with the factory on how the functioning would work. This product went on to sell into Costco. Wrecking Ball
This was a test to manipulate cornstarch and water, which when together create a non newtonian fluid. When you put a vibration through the material it moves around in a unique way. Slimelab sold over 25k units.