Tamagotchi Keycap Set

This project involved collaborating with Bandai to design a nostalgic Tamagotchi-themed keycap set. As 8-bit designs were trending, I envisioned creating a Tamagotchi-inspired set, which led to the opportunity to partner with Bandai. The project included designing the keycaps, a matching desk mat, and packaging. Despite facing a few revisions to align with company guidelines, the final designs successfully captured the playful spirit of Tamagotchi while maintaining a modern and vibrant aesthetic.

Concept Design

Focusing on the original Tamagotchi (Generation 1), I aimed to evoke nostalgia through clean, simple illustrations that were directly inspired by the game’s interface. Instead of hand-drawing elements, I utilized Illustrator to craft sharp 8-bit visuals. The color scheme was carefully selected, opting for vivid shades of blue and neon green to ensure the design felt fresh and aligned with current trends. I also integrated the Tamagotchi font provided by Bandai, enhancing the authenticity of the design.

Final Keycap Design

While the final keycap design deviated slightly from my initial concept due to Bandai's company guidelines, the outcome was still visually appealing. The keycaps retained the simplicity I envisioned, with the colors and balance being a perfect fit. The use of the authentic Tamagotchi font and vibrant hues contributed to an overall balanced and nostalgic feel, which was well-received by the community.

Deskmat Design

For the desk mat, I created two contrasting designs: a super-simple version and a more detailed one featuring the whimsical Tamagotchi village. This dual approach catered to both customers who prefer minimalist designs and those who wanted a more playful, Tamagotchi-inspired theme. Surprisingly, despite concerns about the busier design overshadowing the keycap set, the simplicity of the keycaps allowed the two elements to complement each other beautifully.

Packaging Design

The packaging design was inspired by the iconic Tamagotchi screen. I aimed to create a clear, intuitive experience where users could easily predict what keycaps they would receive without relying on excessive text or explanations. The Tamagotchi screen interface served as the focal point of the packaging, and I strategically placed additional information at the bottom to ensure it didn’t overwhelm the visual focus.