deTour 2023

New Know How – Crafting Design Future

Marketplace, PMQ

Moulds that Replicate Joy

Hong Kong has a rich and storied history in the toy industry, where moulds play a pivotal role as a complex and fascinating art form. In the traditional toy manufacturing sector, moulds offer the advantage of mass production. However, in recent times, toy production has witnessed various transformations alongside many social changes.

This work showcases a pair of giant BB toy moulds, illustrating the vital process of bringing a toy to life within the traditional toy industry. Augmented Reality (AR) technology is integrated to enable audience interaction with the moulds through their smartphones and animated toys crafted with these colossal moulds. We hope to present how local designers explore new patterns by merging modern technological advancements with traditional craftsmanship and showcase the possibilities of “replicating joy.”

Nice Geeks

Nice Geeks was founded in 2022 by a group of independent toy creators in Hong Kong. Their design projects blur the line between art and toys by pushing the boundaries of independent toys and injecting creativity into spaces and objects as a way to delve into new toy development models. Since its inception, the group has held various art exhibitions, events and workshops, curating a plethora of projects that exhibit exploratory, and artistic qualities.