Dingle Dangle Play Set
We developed a unique 3-in-1 sensory play set for babies with the co-founders of a new brand, Dingle Dangle. Working from sketches and a homemade sample, we progressed the development and successfully launched a globally appealing, compliant product.
Background
We worked with Mark Hamilton and Stuart Gold, the co-founders of Dingle Dangle on a one-in-a-kind product; a 3-in-1 sensory play set for babies. Working from sketches and an initial homemade sample, we worked alongside the business to progress product development and launch a globally appealing, compliant design. We then shortlisted and ultimately selected a final partner factory to manufacture the final product, all while meeting strict target cost prices.
Requirements
We worked to develop a multi-functional product that can be used by parents both at home and when travelling. The Dingle Dangle is a unique sensory toy that parents can wear on their head, meaning they can entertain and engage their baby during tasks such as nappy changing. It can also be used as a portable mobile and a sensory rattle, making it an ideal multi-use product for on-the-go parents.
We carried out a full audit for the product before bringing on board a reputable factory to partner with on the product development. Ultimately, they helped us to engineer the final design into a robust product compliant with BSEN (UK and Europe) and ASTM (USA) markets.
What we did
Over a given time frame of 15 months, we worked on development for the final product alongside the co-founders of Dingle Dangle. Working alongside our chosen factory, we provided planet-friendly options across a range of materials for the toy, including fabrics, plastics, foam and filling.
When the design specification was finalised, we managed the tooling of all plastic parts (recycled PP and ABS). We sent our Quality Control team out to the factory for each production. This helped to ensure that the final product went to market in a robust and timely manner.
Due to the complexity and uniqueness of the development, our challenge was to create a product that was compliant across both ‘baby toy’ and ‘general child safety’ requirements. This key challenge was overcome by working closely with a partner test house to understand and design to multiple stringent regulations.
Results
Dingle Dangle has launched in the UK and the USA, with a primarily direct-to-consumer strategy. It has been very well received by customers, having sold thousands of units, and is currently on its third production. A version 2 of the product is also under development.
“We approached Plan A with an idea and over the course of 12 months they supported us on every aspect of our product development process... from design to prototyping, tooling, manufacturing and quality control; they did this with the utmost professionalism and integrity. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner – they have been instrumental in the success of our business and I couldn’t recommend their services highly enough.”
— Mark Hamilton, Co-founder Dingle Dangle
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We’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the best brands on the high street, helping develop their ideas into great products.
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Talk to us
Whether you’re at the start of your product development journey or stuck at a hurdle, we’re here to help you progress.
