Helix is a modular outdoor companion toy designed to encourage children to engage with nature through imaginative play and wildlife observation. The toy can be wrapped around branches, poles or outdoor objects while the detachable camera backpack captures nearby bird activity.

Children today spend less time outdoors and are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. Story-driven toys can help spark curiosity about the natural world, encouraging exploration and discovery through play. Research has shown that construction and narrative toys are effective tools for developing children’s creativity, sensory awareness, and learning skills.

Children can position Helix near existing bird feeders or natural bird environments, then use the companion app to preview the camera position, capture images and record discoveries inside the Avian Bestiary journal.

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Vest Component

The vest design consists of a flat connecting plate spanning the shoulders, with a central opening that allows the head component to slot through. This approach significantly improved stability and alignment.

Internal Structure

The central structural piece includes a vertical internal channel running through the torso, connecting to the horizontal limb channels. This enables the implementation of a continuous internal wire skeleton, linking all limbs through a central spine structure, ensuring load distribution, stability and consistency of movement between limbs.

Character Components

The head is cylindrical in shape with an integrated beak feature, reinforcing the bird-inspired identity of the product. The head and hat are made as detachable components, increasing modularity and allowing the toy to function both as a character and a configurable observation device. This supports varied play patterns and enhances the product’s longevity.

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Companion App

Interface concepts were explored to consider how a companion application could support the experience. The layout was designed to visualise how users might preview camera footage, monitor the device and review captured wildlife images in a simple and accessible way.

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How It Works