Why toys?  "Toys are the perfect metaphor for simulating the types of projects that engineers work on in the real world," said Ramani. "Everyone played with toys when they were little, so they all know about the experience.  But in this class, they learn how engineers and designers conceptualize and create those toys."

An important first step in the class is awakening the students' creative impulses -- a notoriously difficult task for engineering students.  Ramani ignites the process by having his students use finger paints, or draw random squiggles with crayon and then use them to tell a story. "Engineers hesitate when they are asked to draw," said Ramani. "They think you have to be an 'artist' to be creative. But just like we all played with toys when we were kids, we can all draw stick figures or animals, or make something with finger paints, and that gives their creativity a physical outlet."

In the same way, Ramani encourages students to build their first prototypes out of cardboard, duct tape, and other tangible materials.  "With these cheap physical materials, they can very easily try out new ideas, and toss out the ones that don't work," said Ramani. "If they start out on the computer, they tend to be reluctant to change it, even if a better idea comes along."

After the initial brainstorming phase, students team up and work on the intricacies of computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, and prototyping on a budget. "This project has constraints, just like in the working world," said Ramani. "Their prototypes have to be a certain size specification, with certain materials, and be manufactured for less than $100."

Despite these constraints, students have concocted dozens of eclectic toy prototypes -- many of which are on display at the Toy Museum, located in the Mechanical Engineering building's Gatewood Wing.  Some are built around high-tech microcontrollers and sensors, while others are simple puppets or board games that don't even require batteries.  "We are very lucky to have this museum space," said Ramani. "Every one of these toys has the potential to become an amazing product."

The semester culminates at the biannual Toy Fair, where teams present their final prototypes to the public.  "Communication is an important part of an engineer's toolkit," said Ramani. "If they can effectively present their ideas to people, they're going to do very well in their professions."

Ramani sees his class as a logical extension of the 21st century "maker" movement, which promotes technology as a means to create new items in the physical world.  "The design element of engineering has grown in importance over the years," said Ramani. "That's why we encourage our students to harness their creativity in a tangible way, while also learning the latest technologies in CAD and 3D printing.  Put together, it results in a cutting-edge education here at Purdue."