Reinventing interactive learning through the internet of things
CogniToys set out to revolutionize educational play by creating internet-connected toys that evolve alongside children. They envisioned smart toys that could engage in real-time conversations and adapt to a child's learning journey. Our team partnered with CogniToys to turn this vision into a reality, developing a complete ecosystem that included an onboarding app, website, e-commerce experience, and complete brand identity, from packaging to in-store displays.
Outcomes
Boosted Online Sales
We turned visitors into customers with a seamless shopping experience through a custom-built e-commerce site. Our focus on intuitive design and efficient conversion strategies helped CogniToys exceed its sales expectations and generate millions in revenue year after year.
Enhanced Product Security
Working with top-tier hardware partners, we integrated robust security features to safeguard the digital and physical experience. This extra layer of security ensured that CogniToys’ platform remained simple, secure, and reliable for both children and parents.
Successful Product Launch
Our strategic support in crowdfunding and product validation helped CogniToys surpass their Kickstarter goal by 5x, establishing a solid foundation for the product’s market entry. This early success proved the product’s viability and set the stage for continued growth.
Bringing Play to Life
To help children unlock the full potential of their CogniToy, we developed a custom mobile app that connects the toy to the digital world. The app sets up the toy while also personalizing the experience by gathering key information such as age and bedtime, ensuring each play session is tailored to the child’s needs. Connecting the toy to WiFi also unlocked endless cloud-based content, bringing learning and fun to a new level.
A Seamless E-Commerce Journey
Turning visitors into loyal customers? That’s no easy task. We built a custom B2C e-commerce experience that began with crowdfunding and carried through to generating millions in revenue year after year. With a focus on user experience and conversion rates, we created a site that achieved the industry average conversion rate of 2.86%, easily exceeding expectations while keeping the process engaging and intuitive for shoppers.
Parental Controls That Work
Parents want to be informed. The Parent Panel allows users to track their child’s interactions with CogniToys and provides learning summaries and content recommendations for a truly personalized experience. Empowering parents with complete control over their child’s learning ensures that each interaction is safe and enriching, enhancing the bond between child and toy.
Bringing Dinosaurs to Life
Designing the first CogniToys Dino was a thrilling challenge. From initial sketches to 3D prototypes, we brought the toy to life through iterative design and rapid prototyping. Using our in-house 3D printer, we refined the model until it was perfect, ensuring a smooth transition into manufacturing and tooling for the first production run. Our meticulous process made sure that the CogniToys Dino was not only functional but also captivating for kids.
The Hardware Layer
Security is key when it comes to connected toys. We partnered with top-tier companies like Texas Instruments and Qualcomm to iterate on the CogniToys hardware. Our goal? To build a simple, secure platform that integrates hardware, firmware, and the mobile app experience. Through proprietary protocols and a careful hardware-software communication design, we added an extra layer of security, giving parents peace of mind as their children engaged with their toys.
Crafting an Identity
CogniToys needed a visual identity that reflected its innovative, educational mission. We developed a strong brand personality that permeated every aspect of their communication, from their logo to their website and packaging. This visual identity didn’t just represent a product—it told the story of a brand that was shaping the future of educational play.
Kickstarter Success
We took CogniToys to Kickstarter to validate the concept, and the results were extraordinary. With an initial goal of $50k, we raised a staggering $275k within 24 hours, validating the product-market fit and setting the stage for future success. This early backing gave CogniToys the momentum it needed to launch its product into the market, proving that the world was ready for this innovative new way for kids to learn through play.
Telling the Story Through Photography
As early-stage partners, we understood the power of storytelling through visuals. With CogniToys’ evolving story, we worked closely with their team to produce fresh, compelling content continuously. From photography to video production, our in-house content studio helped bring the CogniToys narrative to life, capturing the essence of the brand in every shot.
More Toys, More Fun
CogniToys didn’t stop at the original Dino. After receiving fantastic feedback, we set out to create new iterations, like the Stemosaur. This new product maintained the core features of the original but introduced exciting new elements, including a step-by-step assembly process and a coding panel to create custom content. Stemosaur wasn’t just a toy but an experience, offering children endless possibilities to learn and grow.
The Scout: Next-Level Play
We pushed the boundaries even further with Scout, the third generation of CogniToys. Equipped with touch sensors, LEDs, and an accelerometer, Scout took interactive play to the next level. It combined advanced technology with personalized learning to provide an experience that was as educational as it was fun.
A Partnership with Impact
Majestyk’s collaboration with CogniToys was not only a successful project but also the beginning of a long-term partnership. Thanks to our efforts, CogniToys exceeded its crowdfunding goal by five times and increased conversion rates, proving that technology can seamlessly blend with physical toys. Together, we changed the way people think about the future of play, bringing digital and physical toys into harmony.
In The News
A Toy Dinosaur Powered by IBM's Watson Supercomputer
Behind CogniToys’ plastic dinosaur exterior lies a machine learning system based on Watson, the cognitive technology IBM once used to beat humans at Jeopardy.
This talking dinosaur has a brain powered by IBM’s Watson supercomputer
Once upon a time, the world of talking dinosaurs was restricted to largely forgotten sitcom ‘Dinosaurs’ and irritating purple pal to preschoolers Barney. CogniToys, a new line of toys developed by Elemental Path, is changing that with its first release – a dino whose brain is powered by IBM’s Watson technology.
CogniToys smart dinosaur teaches and talks with your kid
Many children are already masters of touch devices, computers, and all sorts of other tech, but if you’re seeking something that bridges the gap between app and always-there companion, check out CogniToys from Elemental Path.
Saluting veteran founders and their mission-driven startups
Cognitoys is a smart, connected educational toy that uses IBM’s Watson AI technology to help kids develop intellectually as they grow. Cognitoys was listed as one of the top 25 inventions by TIME Magazine, and recently was mentioned as one of the top 8 revenue-producing new veteran startups by Mark Rockefeller of StreetShares.
Crafting Integrated Brand Experiences
From branding to product design, we’ve helped CogniToys tell its story in a way that resonates. Whether we create a brand identity, develop a mobile app or design product packaging, we ensure every touchpoint reflects your brand’s unique personality. Our integrated approach helps brands connect with consumers in a meaningful way, building loyalty and engagement.
