Kraken Technologies provides powerful software that helps energy companies run greener and better. So, when they booked an event with over 250 energy decision makers around the world, they knew they had to grab those decision makers’ attention with something memorable. “A statement piece,” Kraken explained. “Something they can take to the kids or show off in their office.”

The Kraken Technologies team knew they wanted their statement piece to be a kraken, after their namesake. They made sure the Playwell Bricks team understood that a kraken has ten limbs, unlike an octopus’ eight. “I’m thinking of a fidget toy,” they told us. “Something that when you’re sitting at your desk or wherever, you can loop the arms around and fidget with it.”

Playwell Bricks designer Pedro Lara focused on the flexible joints to begin with, consulting with the other designers on how to best build the joints in a way that they could be used as a fidget without breaking. After he had the details and parts figured out, Pedro mocked up the first concept and sent it to Kraken, who loved it. From there, Pedro started finalizing the design.

Then came the blow. That original design, which matched the client’s idea, was rejected after discovering its similarity to a different industry. With the deadline fast approaching, Pedro had to design an entirely new fidget kraken on a drastically reduced timeline.

Fortunately, he had the Playwell Bricks team behind him to help. At one point, admin team member and fellow designer Jared Oswald briefly took over the design files when he had an idea for a fix when the pieces required for the flexible joint were out of stock. Pedro accepted Jared’s ideas, tweaking them for continuity with his design.

Ultimately, this custom kraken set was released in time for Kraken Technologies’ trade show, thanks to the Playwell team coming together in the crunch.

As part of their feedback, which came with a few suggestions, our Kraken contact let Playwell Bricks know that “I would certainly love for us to work again together ASAP so there are no tight deadlines.” This set also showed up on a LinkedIn post, mentioning that he was grateful that “I’ve finally been able to see what a [brick] kraken would look like doing ballet.” Fidget level: expert!

If you have an important event or trade show coming up and you’d like a giveaway that potential clients can engage with and remember long after the jet lag has faded, Playwell Bricks is here for you. Contact us and book your discovery call today!