Bobbl Up
Sponsored by Toy’n Around, Bobbl Up was invented as part of the University of Minnesota’s Product Innovation Lab course (iLab). Working in teams of seven, students were challenged to make a functioning bubble product over the course of three months.Working as a team from ideation, iteration, and final prototyping, Bobbl Up is now currently on its way to production.
User Research
Parent (Consumer)
“I want to keep my kids entertained for as long as possible.”
Kids are full of energy and likes to keep them entertained so he can focus on work around the house. He knows that exercise is key for kids development and wants to provide it in a fun way.
Child (End User)
“I really like when it makes a lot of bubbles. It’s fun to play with my brother.”
She is full of energy, and really enjoys playing with his friends and family. She likes to watch the bubbles float, and try and catch them with her siblings.
Long-term engagement
User Needs
Developing motor skills
Play & socialization
Market Research
Current Market Pain Points
Wasting solution
Bores kids quickly
Not durable
Design Criteria
Intuitive to use
Includes solution refills
Easy to set up
Prototype
Month 1
Sketch model built from existing toys
Battery and switch soldered together for functionality
Developed with Gannon Simmonet
Month 2
CAD model created in SolidWorks in preparation for manufacture
Rendered in KeyShot
Developed with Caleb Boll
Month 3
High fidelity model 3D printed from SolidWorks file
Internal components soldered by Caleb Boll and Sebastian Helgeson
Complete functionality
The outer bubble gun houses a bubble mechanism that blows bubbles upwards.
A fan mechanism fits into the ring of the bubble mechanism with a slight turn. The fan mechanism can separate to be used as a separate bubble pusher, or be used while attached to the gun.
A hand strap is provided so fan can attach to the a child’s palm.
The fan is reversible and can both push bubbles or pull them in to the user. Great for a variety of games! From ‘keep it up’ to trying to get it across the room, or even a bubble obstacle course!
A huge thank you to the team that made it happen - go Purple Team! Check out their work below:
Thank you to our amazing volunteer TAs Jess Jenkins & Tim Gallant, to Prof. Carlye Lauff, and to Toy’n Around for making Bobbl Up possible.