Introduction

The product studied here is the Color Spin, a toy manufactured by Mattel Toys. This case study is one of many being developed with an aim towards improving undergraduate design education through analysis of those design principles and practices which have led to significant successes with real world products.

The Mattel Color Spin case study serves as a good introduction to the processes and practices that go into creating a world-class manufacturing facility. It emphasizes these principles:

• Design for Manufacturability
• Design for Assembly
• Concurrent Engineering
• Life-Cycle Design

Factors That Make This Design Situation Worth Analyzing

1. This case study illustrates the incredible amount of thought and resources that go into the manufacture of even a simple looking product and the considerable dollar savings that are possible through good design practices.

2. Good design practices involve principles that are valid for almost any design and manufacturing situation, ranging from toys like Color Spin to heavy machinery.

3. Given the market-driven nature of its products, the toy industry is an excellent testing ground for technologies that make for rapid, flexible manufacturing.

4. The Color Spin is a product of redesign using the basic design principles mentioned above. Contrary to usual experience, the original inefficient design was Japanese and it was redesigned by U.S. Engineers to make it a viable product in the U.S. Market.

Last Updated: October 26, 1998, NEEDS Staff
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