1. Overview
The HOMER Early Learning Kits is a 6-month subscription line dedicated to hands-on early learning
from HOMER by BEGiN for ages 3+.
Each kit focuses on specific, developmentally appropriate skills and topics across reading, math, social and
emotional learning, creativity, thinking skills, and more.
I was responsible for the graphic design, additional illustrations, production
coordination, as well as the management of the in-house illustrators.
2. Research to ConceptThe team and I began the design process with gathering market research, insights, and
data; setting the product timelines; and identifying the learning goals.
Each kit consisted of activities,
different play patterns, and learning tools for different learning goals at the target age range.
3. Prototypes to ExecutionWe created concept art, prototypes,
and drafts of each
child-facing component and parent-facing material while refining tech packs and pricing.
I worked with the in-house illustrators while designing the printed material to execute
production-ready artwork adhering to the schedule. Pre-production sampling and
safety testing also played a big role in finalizing artwork and figuring out what was
and what wasn’t working with the manufacturing constraints at hand.
4. Final
ComponentsEach kit includes unique packaging and packaging inserts, instructions for the parent, one
pen-to-paper activity-filled workbook, one pretend play item, one embroidered sticker patch, and one bigger or two
smaller hands-on activities.
5. Challenges and Takeaways
This project was incredibly fun and I learned a lot not only about child development and early
learning, but also the more technical aspects of QA, safety guidelines, and materials in
the young children’s product industry.
Something that is more challenging about designing for a younger age group is
carefully figuring out how to simplify activities and products but keep them as engaging
as possible in a multitude of ways. This could range from simply how something looks and functions to what
value the play pattern gives for the child’s entertainment and development while also considering the parent
impact.
CreditsGraphic Design: Eura Bang
Creative
Direction: Jacque Lamkin
Product Design: Jacque Lamkin, Eura Bang, Kaleena Newman
Illustration: Dan Hood, Cassandra
Berger
Illustration Support: Eura Bang
Learning and Curriculum: Shana Mojica
Sourcing:
Anna Kim, Jen Chang
Product Photography: Joy Coakley
. . . and many others!