Faculty of Design

Industrial Design

Allysha Vigneux

Bug Log

Bug Log is a nature-inspired STEM toy offering open-ended play with an element of surprise, specifically designed for children ages three and up. The plush log contains several branches that, when manipulated through pressing, pulling, or twisting, can cause an egg to pop out from one of the many holes on the log. Inside each egg, there is a different toy bug that can be played with on the log. After playing with the bug, the child can return it to the egg and send it "home" by returning the egg through one of the branches with a chute.Bug Log helps young children (ages 3-5) to reach cognitive and social developmental milestones, as it can be used as an aid in naming colours, learning to count, sharing, and manipulating objects. It encourages creativity through its open-ended play, and it's bright colours, soft materials, and different textures offer sensory stimulants. Bug Log is relevant in today’s day and age as it is a green toy which encourages an interest nature in children and can lead to conversations about topics such as sustainability. This is especially important today with climate change, and Bug Log can be used as a tool to start conversations about it early on in a child’s life.

“A sensory STEM toy which encourages an interest in nature and sustainability while helping young children to reach cognitive and social developmental milestones.”