Steam Mates
Packaging Design
Publishing
Brand Identity
Toy Design
STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, taps into children's natural curiosity and desire to explore from an early age (birth to age 5). Research shows that hands-on experiences during this critical period help kids engage with their interests, develop theories, and apply them in everyday situations. STEAM Mates introduces girls to STEAM fields early on, helping them build confidence in their abilities. The brand features five unique toys, each representing one of the STEAM categories, designed to foster a deeper understanding of these fields.
AWARD FOR SENIOR THESIS PROJECT
Winner for The Graphic & Interactive Design Award for Senior Thesis Project
Awarded by Hallmark
SOCIAL CONSCIENCE AWARD
Winner for The Alice Drueding & Joe Scorsone Social Conscience Award
CREDITS
Designer: Marissa Klick
Art Direction: Paul Kepple
Children figure out how the world works by engaging in a series of steps called the scientific method. Harmony's main function is using her arms as a scale. Children are able to add bracelets to her arm, and observe how their weight makes her arms go up and down.
Harmony the Science Doll
Technology stands for any type of man made object. These types of man made objects include the wheel—which is Margo's main function. The wheels support children’s cognitive development, because as children play with Margo, they observe and learn from the underlying cause and effect.
Margo the Technology Doll
Engineering is using materials, designing, crafting, and building—it helps us understand how and why things work. Peggy the engineering doll focuses on using gears and systems. The child can switch out the gears to different spots on the toy, and observe what that does.
Peggy the Engineering Doll
All categories of STEAM need to innovate and solve problems creatively, which makes the arts a vital part of childhood development. For this toy, children can use the blocks to solve structural problems through memory and symmetry in order to create different characters.
Artie the Art Doll
Matching shapes builds early spatial awareness, memory, and fine motor skills—essential foundations for problem-solving and cognitive development. With this toy, babies and toddlers practice identifying forms and fitting them into the correct spaces, encouraging hands-on learning through shape recognition and tactile exploration.
Mathilda the Math Doll
Within the brand, STEAM Mates would release a series of books for each of the five toys in STEAM. The books would take children through the history of that category in order for them to have a better understanding of it in simple terms. I illustrated and wrote Margo's book (pictured above).