Stimulating Creative Experiences
Steve Donahue, Innovation Team, MEGA Brands
Related Trend Reports
Art & Design, Babies, Computers, DIY, Gadgets, Games, Interactive, Life Stages, Lifestyle, Marketing, Mobile, Social Good, Social Media, Tech, ToysSteve Donahue is a vital member of the Innovation Team at MEGA Brands. The sensational company provides stimulating creative experiences for families and children. MEGA Brands is a global corporation based in Montreal, Canada with a distribution network that reaches over 100 countries. MEGA Brands’ global aspiration is to make MEGA the choice for every family around the world, and it's a plausible ambition.
3 Questions with Steve Donahue
Has there ever been an instance where another industry has influenced an innovation at your company?
Other industries are influencing our innovation all the time. A recent example is our toy storage container labels. Originally, we manufactured plastic containers with stick-on labels, but then we noticed reusable storage containers for coffee and ice cream that had in-mold labeling. We decided to switch gears and we acquired the machinery to allow us to manufacture our own in-mold labels for the containers. This shift allowed for better, lasting quality and cost efficiency.
What makes an innovative culture? How do you create a culture of innovation?
MEGA Brands puts emphasis on creating a culture of passion, ideation and competition. We find a balance between the serious nature of our business and the incredibly fun aspects of the industry we are in. Our people love to talk toys and having the flexibility of an Advanced Design group is key. MEGA Brands culture is unique because our facilities are all part of one campus. We can create, design, prototype and manufacture all in one location. This is practically unheard of in the toy industry and it is a huge advantage for us.
How does your team generate new ideas?
MEGA Brands is a fast paced environment and extraordinarily youthful. We have a lot of young people on the team. Our employees are self-motivated and a passionate group. It all stems from what we are doing and it's all about nurturing creativity for kids, collectors and families.
3 Questions with Steve Donahue
Has there ever been an instance where another industry has influenced an innovation at your company?
Other industries are influencing our innovation all the time. A recent example is our toy storage container labels. Originally, we manufactured plastic containers with stick-on labels, but then we noticed reusable storage containers for coffee and ice cream that had in-mold labeling. We decided to switch gears and we acquired the machinery to allow us to manufacture our own in-mold labels for the containers. This shift allowed for better, lasting quality and cost efficiency.
What makes an innovative culture? How do you create a culture of innovation?
MEGA Brands puts emphasis on creating a culture of passion, ideation and competition. We find a balance between the serious nature of our business and the incredibly fun aspects of the industry we are in. Our people love to talk toys and having the flexibility of an Advanced Design group is key. MEGA Brands culture is unique because our facilities are all part of one campus. We can create, design, prototype and manufacture all in one location. This is practically unheard of in the toy industry and it is a huge advantage for us.
How does your team generate new ideas?
MEGA Brands is a fast paced environment and extraordinarily youthful. We have a lot of young people on the team. Our employees are self-motivated and a passionate group. It all stems from what we are doing and it's all about nurturing creativity for kids, collectors and families.
References: megabrands, twitter
Featured Articles
Grown-Up Play
Coloring takes on a mature spin with DIY design and artwork
Disguised Developmental
Modern toys subtly integrate alternative and practical education
Kidtronics
Gadgets for children create a burgeoning generation of tech-savvy toddlers
Gamified Life
Gamification extends from the virtual to the real world
Immersive Gaming
Larger-than-life game systems provide a full-body and mind experience
Life Gaming
Consumers turn to video games to simulate real-life experiences
Ecotistical Toys
Teaching the next generation about sustainability one toy at a time
DIY Bonding
Families are turning to DIY projects to entertain on a budget