IDW # 131 : Child Leash!

**Pixie Trick** · July 13th, 2010, 11:06 AM

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IDW #129 Topic: Child Leash

Deadline for voting: Wednesday, July 21

No voting for your own entries! I repeat, no voting for your own entries

Give critiques and comments, we're all here to learn from each other!

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Original thread: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=191718

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**ragtag** · July 14th, 2010, 03:35 PM

Here is my child leash. Designed to fit the needs of nerved mothers or caring fathers. It is a ultralight-metal vessel with padding on the exposed parts, so the child won't hurt itself. It is voice controlled by the authorized person (not the child). Cameras are implemented in the front section of it, which can be connected with the parents cell phone to see what their child is seeing. The vessel itself is issued with a control-glove which interacts with the back of the vessel via a tractor beam which can be easily adjusted in strenght and length.

**Pixie Trick** · July 14th, 2010, 10:11 PM

The Mik-Mik.

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**Norsehound** · July 15th, 2010, 02:24 AM

Ok, so my idea didn't gel in my attempts to draw it but I'm still gonna offer some critiques

Ragtag: The design is awesome and articulate. The lines are clean and the presentation is full and informative. However, I'm not sure it looks like something a kid would willingly put on. The design looks rather heavy and sterile, and the fact that it can chase and grab kids on its own might engender fear, nightmares, and resistance. It looks functional, but it doesn't have the obvious kiddie appeal that would suggest a kid would want to wear it. Maybe it could have been better with colorful patterns on it or a redesign to the shape for more kid appeal? Still, the fact that it's a wireless system, and that it doesn't look as if a kid could escape from it easily, make it an interesting design. It just needs the reason why a kid would wear it.

Pixie: The design is colorful and original- certainly nailing the kid-friendly appeal from the get-go. Like I mentioned in the original thread, a PR campaign or tie-in with a cartoon or something can encourage kids to wear these gleefully. The design isn't mechanical, so there's no need for portraying super-realistic parts, and the brushes worked to convey the hair. Bonus points for color variations as well. My criticism is that it relies on one wrist of a parent for one kid. You could probably get away with multiple loops on one arm, but what if the kids run separate directions? There doesn't seem to be any mention or portrayal of a wireless system. It also looks easy to escape from if a kid knows what to do. *shrug*

The topic was thoughtful and both entries were full and detailed. Sorry I couldn't get mine off the ground, I'd need more time and my initial sketches weren't promising.

**Majenkus** · July 15th, 2010, 06:44 AM

RagTag - Nice job demonstrating the use, I didn't read a single word you wrote and I understand what this absurd looking thing is supposed to do. You win the visual communication award, otherwise known as "the vote." The technical side is good to - oh so crisp. I would buy it if you included some sort of device to administer electo shocks to the insolent little shit.

**dragon4lunch** · July 16th, 2010, 03:11 AM

ragtag: First of all, your design would freaking wreak the child's psyche! Can you imagine having giant metal spiders run after you? And then grab you and make love to your back?! Nuts

Secondly, it's a pretty cool illustration. Good job!

Pixi Trick: Your entry reminded me of the toy design illustrations I saw at my college (they had a toy department). I could see this being an actual back pack/leash you could buy. I gave you my vote, but it was a close one.

**ragtag** · July 16th, 2010, 06:15 AM

YES:
I admit that this design developed while the screaming children of the neighbours penetratet my ears, so it was at start a bit of a torture instrument.

BUT:
But as it progressed I added the soft padding all over the hard survaces, you can even see that the two top arms got additional pads to prevent the cheeks from getting into direct contact with anithing hard. It is not a metal monster, it is a ultralight hardplastic toy and playmate for the child. I would feel like I am a scifi hero when i would have weared one of these during my childhood.
Who doesn't fancy a hightech backpack which can save your life? And the child can even ride on it