Swimways Zoom A Rays

Launch Date: Spring 2022

The goal of this project was to create smaller versions of the original Swimways Zoom A Rays. The toys are supposed to independently glide from the bottom of the pool. In the non-licensed version, the request was that each of the toys glide uniquely to the surface of the pool. The key to achieving this performance was modifying the tail and body per the requested float pattern; I worked with the designer through rounds of prototyping until we felt confident in the individual patterns.

This was my first experience having to study tooling plans and modify the product spec from a cost reduction standpoint. Originally, the individual tails, bodies, and wings were tooled separately, equaling nine tools. However, we couldn’t afford this—I worked out a compromise with the Manufacturing and Design teams to ensure the item became financially viable: the tails were all molded in one color to be in one tool and two of the wings were molded in the same color and differentiated through the use of deco. This was also a moment of learning for me, the tooling cost came much later in development and I learned the importance of validating each aspect of the product at every stage of development (I should have asked for the tool plan earlier). But, I was able to quickly devise a plan and work with our cross functional teams to determine the best path forward.