Plan for Prototype and Testing for Toy Subscription Boxes
3 min readJul 16, 2024
Objective: Create sample toy subscription boxes and conduct testing with a small group of target customers to gather feedback on toy selection, packaging, and overall experience.
Step 1: Define Testing Objectives
Objectives:
- Assess the appeal of toy selections.
- Evaluate packaging quality and design.
- Gather insights on overall customer experience.
- Identify any areas for improvement.
Step 2: Develop Prototypes
- Select Toys: Choose a variety of toys that cater to different interests and developmental stages within your target age group.
- Packaging Design: Design attractive and durable packaging. Consider eco-friendly options if sustainability is a key value.
- Assemble Sample Boxes: Create a set of sample boxes with the selected toys and packaging.
Step 3: Identify Testing Group
- Target Customers: Choose a small, diverse group of your target audience. This could include parents of toddlers and pre-schoolers with different backgrounds and preferences.
Recruitment:
- Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and parenting forums to recruit testers.
- Email Lists: Reach out to potential testers through existing email lists or newsletters.
- Local Communities: Partner with local parenting groups or playgroups.
Step 4: Conduct Testing
- Distribute Sample Boxes: Send the sample boxes to the selected group of testers. Use a reliable shipping service to ensure timely and safe delivery.
Gather Feedback:
- Surveys: Create detailed surveys using tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform to collect structured feedback.
- Interviews: Conduct follow-up phone or video interviews for more in-depth insights.
- Focus Groups: Organize online or in-person focus group sessions to facilitate group discussions and gather collective feedback.
Step 5: Analyze Feedback
- Data Analysis Tools: Use tools like Google Sheets or Excel to compile and analyze survey data. For more advanced analysis, consider using software like SPSS or Tableau.
- Key Metrics: Focus on metrics such as toy satisfaction, packaging appeal, overall experience rating, and suggestions for improvement.
Step 6: Refine Product
- Identify Trends: Look for common themes or recurring feedback points.
- Make Adjustments:
- Toy Selection: Replace or adjust toy selections based on feedback.
- Packaging: Improve packaging design and quality if necessary.
- Customer Experience: Address any issues related to the unboxing experience or subscription process.
- Test Iterations: Consider conducting additional rounds of testing with refined prototypes if significant changes are made.
Step 7: Finalize Product for Launch
- Finalize Selections: Confirm the final selection of toys and packaging design.
- Quality Control: Ensure all elements meet quality standards and customer expectations.
- Prepare for Scale: Get ready for larger production runs and wider distribution.
Tools and Resources
- Surveys and Feedback Collection:
- Google Forms: Free and easy-to-use survey tool.
- SurveyMonkey: Offers advanced survey features and analytics.
- Typeform: Provides engaging and interactive survey designs.
2. Data Analysis:
- Google Sheets/Excel: For basic data compilation and analysis.
- SPSS: For advanced statistical analysis.
- Tableau: For data visualization and in-depth analysis.
3. Recruitment:
- Facebook: Use groups and ads to reach potential testers.
- Instagram: Collaborate with influencers and use hashtags to find testers.
- Local Parenting Forums: Engage with community members for recruitment.
4. Shipping and Distribution:
- ShipStation: For managing and automating shipping processes.
- UPS/FedEx: Reliable shipping partners for delivering sample boxes.
5. Prototyping:
- Local Printers/Packagers: For creating custom packaging.
- Suppliers: Reliable toy suppliers for initial toy selections.
By following this plan, you can effectively prototype and test your toy subscription boxes, ensuring a well-rounded and appealing product before launch.