Toy and Game

A significant proportion of the reports within this industry were commissioned by Mattel and concern a range of product developments as well as research into the wider games industry. Talking doll is a memo that gives an insight into the process of, and motivations for, choosing phrases for a talking doll to say; apparently taken from observations of children at play. The desires and influence of the parents are heavily weighted, as seen in A creative memorandum on psychological advertising of toys to parents, and adults tend to be involved in analysis and product testing. One of the most famous Dichter reports can be found within this industry, relating to Barbie (‘Barbee’). Proposal for a motivational research study and pre-testing of sales appeals in the field of toys poses a series of research questions.

Addendum to a motivational pilot study on attitudes toward a proposed doll with sewing-designing kit Sep 1960 Pilot Study Mattel
A creative analysis on the psychology of games Aug 1959 Report Mattel
A creative memo on the advertising effectiveness of "Supermarket Checkout" Jun 1957 Memorandum Supermarket Checkout
A creative memorandum on psychological advertising of toys to parents Aug 1959 Memorandum Greenbelt; Mattel
A creative memorandum on psychological advertising of toys to parents Aug 1959 Memorandum Mattel
A creative problem analysis and proposal for a motivational research study on the sales, advertising and promotional problems of Lionel Corporation Jul 1959 Proposal Lionel
A creative research memo on Ungar wood-burning tools as "toy" and "hobby" Aug 1955 Memorandum Ungar
Draft proposal for brand image study 01 Sep 1959 Letter Mattel
Games 01 Jun 1959 Letter Mattel
Increasing the sales of erector sets - a proposal for a motivation action plan Jun 1970 Proposal Erector Sets
Increasing the sales of Partyline products: motivational research study Oct 1972 Report Partyline
Increasing the sales of Partyline products: a proposal for a motivational research study Apr 1972 Proposal Partyline
A limited research project on the personality and effectiveness of the Arco playing card salesman Jan 1956 Report
Memorandum on the present patterns and procedures characterizing American toy manufacturers and wholesalers Aug 1964 Memorandum
A motivational pilot study on attitudes toward a proposed doll with sewing-designing kit Aug 1960 Pilot Study Mattel
A motivational research study in the field of toys for Mattel Toys, Inc. Jun 1959 Report Ginny Doll; Barbie; Fanner 50; Shoot 'n Shell; Derringer; H2O Missile
A pilot survey of present-day attitudes toward model electric trains Sep 1959 Report Lionel
Proposal for a continuing motivational research program Aug 1971 Proposal
Proposal for a motivational research study and pre-testing of sales appeals in the field of toys Dec 1958 Proposal Mattel; Barbie
Studie über den gegenwärtigen amerikanischen Spielzeugmarkt Sep 1964 Report
Talking doll 01 Jun 1959 Letter Mattel