Our team was tasked with creating a physical prototype that would enhance the learning and development of children.

We have question ourselves that how could our product can help autistic children in comforting, communicating, asking, and playing as in their best comfort. Our product is a stuffed animal for autism children who, at level 2 struggling with communicating, reading, writing, as well as making friends.

Upon discussion within our team, we narrowed our audience to children aged 5-10 who are diagnosed with level 2 autism. Those with level 2 autism experience impairments that interfere with their daily activities and ability to go throughout life independently.

Cuddle buddies was inspired with a design philosophy and believe that it should be well crafted with intentionally, easy to replicate in a mass production, and accomplish the needs of the intended audience. Our product will be concious in materials such as tactile sensory, auditory sensory, and aroma sensory.

In avoidance of unwanted children swallowing, the facial features will be embroidered, and the removable tags.

We will also advertise through our website, the consumers can customize their Buddie that best fits their child's needs. Products can also be purchased through the website and will be shipped in bag that easy for children to carry their Buddie around.

We will be sponsored by the Seattle autism children center, National Autism Association, Autism Foundation, and Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee; 20% of our profit will be sent to them for support and to provide for the community’s needs.

Lastly, a pop-up will also be held during April (Autism Awareness Month) based in Seattle, Washington, due to the location of the children’s autism research center. We intend to have pop-up events throughout the country to promote and advertise our product to the public.

For a more extensive overview of our process, our case study is available