Research Documentation

GENERAL PROCESS FOR DESIGNING THE TOYS

(SRC:
http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/food/food_quality/see_what_we_are_made_of/moms_quality_correspondents/happy_meal_toys_mcc
afe.html)

When designing their Happy Meal Toys, McDonalds uses a company called
The Marketing Store to execute the production of the toy from start to finish. This
company works closely with McDonalds to provide them with ideas. They also
contact companies such as Disney, or any other corporation who may own rights to
the movies or shows that they want to base the toys on. The corporation produces
prototype toys based on their ideas to show to McDonalds. They normally take the
time to created several variations on the toys so that McDonalds have multiple
viable options to choose from. The toys must also comply with McDonalds own, and
federal laws pertaining to the safety of toys that may have small parts. Noncompliant toys will not be produced by McDonalds.

McDONALDS LOGO USAGE

(SRC:

http://www.font.cz/res/data/021/002725.pdf)

McDonalds has very strict rules about their logos. The rules basically state
that in official use, the McDonalds logo may not be tampered with in any of many
ways. These include; changing the color to anything other than Red, Yellow, Black,
or White. They also prohibit the inclusion of any text that overpowers the logo. You
are also prohibited to pair the logo with any text other than McDonalds unless
otherwise specified. The use of the golden arches M in a phonetic matter (as an
M, W, E, Z, or 3 in a sentence). McDonalds goes very far to protect its logo
from misuse, and has a logo use packet that is distributed to vendors worldwide.
The packet even goes as far as to include a matrix that determines whether, or not
the logo can be used for a certain purpose (packaging, tv ads, outdoor ads, paper
ads, vehicles, uniforms, etc.

Safety Regulations
(SRC:

http://www.cpsc.gov//Global/Business-and-Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Small

%20Parts/regsumsmallparts.pdf)

Safety regulations for toys are very strict. The number one rule is that any toy
with parts that fall under their definition of small are allowed, unless designed for
children under 3 years of age. The rules further state that any toy designed for
children from 3-6 years of age that has small parts must be labeled clearly to
indicate not to purchase the toy for children under 3 years of age. The document
also indicated that products with; sharp points or edges, a coating containing more
than 0.6% lead, or products made of flammable, or hazardous materials are

prohibited for children under three. Products must undergo testing that proves
whether, or not these products comply with the codes.