Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC
Toy Controller for Mattel Inc.
Launching in 2025, Mattel's new Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC Controller ups the excitement of RC play for core fans, while being inclusive of new users who may have a variety of unique mobility and dexterity needs. The core innovation HW design teams uncovered is based on consumer insights, specialist input, and user testing, and aligns with Mattel's mission to create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play.
Download Press Kit № 170982
Download Press Kit № 170982 Toy Controller for Mattel Inc. by Hot Wheels RC Design Team to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
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Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC by Hot Wheels RC Design Team
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Hot Wheels RC Design Team Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC
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Hot Wheels RC Design Team Toy Controller
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Unique Properties
The new Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC Controller delivers the excitement of RC play to core fans, yet is inclusive of new users who may have a variety of unique mobility and dexterity needs.
Tags
accessibility, inclusivity, play, design, inclusive design, user centered design, human centered design, special needs, empower, fun
Production Technology
Human Centered Design methodologies were employed to put Hot Wheels RC’s target users at the center of the design work. Extensive user-testing, idea iteration and additional validation practices were followed to ensure exciting RC play can be delivered to both existing audiences and users with special needs.
Design Challenge
The challenge was to deliver exciting RC play that is easy and fun for all abilities. This meant maintaining fun and intuitive RC controls for existing Hot Wheels RC audiences while expanding usability to fans with a variety of mobility and dexterity needs. Understanding that not everyone plays the same way presents the challenge of identifying core barriers to play that exist for a wide range of users, and addressing them all inclusively. Challenge Accepted.
Project Duration
The project started in 2023 as an accessible toy design challenge. As a finalist in that challenge, the Accessible RC Controller concept then entered a robust design sprint and user testing phase to challenge assumptions, unlock innovation, and deliver play for ALL. The finished product will launch Fall 2025.
Operation Flow
The inclusive Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC controller was designed to increase access to the joy of RC play to users with special needs. The stunt feature can be activated by pushing a single large button, the directional controls are large and with clearly indicated directional arrows. The controller can be attached by a lanyard and operated in hand, or placed against a flat surface, allowing for greater play accessibility.
Research
The Accessible Play Challenge was launched across Mattel Design teams and was judged by Design leadership. Winning concepts, like the HW Monster Truck RC Controller, then entered into a Design Sprint phase, which required divergent brainstorming, interviews with subject matter experts, (in this case, special needs educators), and iterative testing with children with a variety of mobility and dexterity needs to refine and validate the design.
Inspiration
Mattel is celebrating its 80th Anniversary as the world’s most trusted toy and entertainment company, home to the world's biggest brands, like Hot Wheels, Barbie, Uno, and more. Mattel is driven to create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences, and develop children through play. Understanding that not everyone plays the same way, Hot Wheels design and development teams have embarked on a mission to reimagine existing toys with inclusivity at the core, so the company can deliver on its purpose: empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential, for all.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Adam Miller, Hero Shot, 2025. Image #2: Photographer Adam Miller, Activation Shot, 2025. Image #3: Photographer Adam Miller, Supplemental Shot, 2025. Video credits: Videographer Adam Miller, Accessible Controller, 2025.
Project Overview
Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC Toy Controller has been a Silver winner in the Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.
Silver Recognition
Hot Wheels RC Design Team was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Hot Wheels Monster Truck RC Toy Controller.
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