T

Tanya Upneja

Co-Founder

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India6 yrs 11 mos experience
Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Led creation of 50+ market-ready toys.
  • Spearheaded award-winning tech toy development.
  • Expert in user-centered toy design.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Toy Design expert with a focus on educational and interactive products.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Product DevelopmentToy DesignUser Experience (ux)User-centered DesignEntrepreneurship

Other Skills

Concept DevelopmentProject ManagementUser ResearchGo-to-market StrategyCollaborationData-driven User TestingCompetitive AnalysisMarket Fit DiscoveryResearchUser TestingBrand DevelopmentMarket ResearchTeam CollaborationDesignLeadership

About

Toy design isn’t just my work, it’s how I can shape how children explore, learn, and imagine. As Toy Design Lead at PlayShifu, I’ve led the creation of 50+ market-ready products, including award-winning tech toys and the Bloomingo range—a sub-brand I helped build to inspire early learners. I specialise in end-to-end toy development: from sketching and concepting to prototyping & user testing. My work blends storytelling, play mechanics, and interactive technology to create toys that are not just fun—but purposeful and lasting.

Experience

6 yrs 11 mos
Total Experience
3 yrs 5 mos
Average Tenure
5 yrs 7 mos
Current Experience

Pearl academy

Visiting Lecturer

Nov 2025Dec 2025 · 1 mo

  • Conducted online guest sessions on toy and game design for students, focusing on creative thinking, industry insights, and emerging opportunities in India.

Playshifu

4 roles

Toy Design Lead

Promoted

May 2024Present · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Led cross-functional teams to define and execute product vision for 2 award-winning educational tech products, expanding successful lines (Orboot Explorer & ZeeZee The smart Storyteller ) and boosting user engagement by 28% YoY and market share by 15%.
  • Spearheaded the end-to-end launch of an innovative IoT-enabled plush product, from user research to go-to-market strategy, collaborating with tech, licensing, and marketing stakeholders to deliver first-to-market smart toys.
  • Managed agile cycles for portfolio expansion (Bloomingo Series), introducing 8 new SKUs based on insights from data-driven user testing (surveying 2,000+ users) and competitive landscape analysis, resulting in 30% increase in advance purchase orders from major retailers.
  • Executed and collaborated on the development of Bubble Toys, Preschool Toys, and Plush categories with cross-functional teams, driving a 2026 launch in major international retailers.
Concept DevelopmentUser Experience (UX)Product DevelopmentProject ManagementUser-centered DesignToy Design

Senior Tactile Designer (Toys & Games)

Promoted

Mar 2023May 2024 · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Executed product revamps for 3+ SKUs to align with evolving user needs, enhancing play experience and physical branding for high-visibility launches, and generating over 10K pre-orders with buyer feedback scores averaging 4.7/5.
  • Drove market fit discovery via hands-on research, analyzing trends and synthesizing insights to influence roadmap prioritization and growth initiatives for >40 active SKUs across Physical and phygital Toys & Games.
  • Specialising in "user-first" product design, balancing creativity with measurable outcomes to develop playful, innovative, and educational experiences that inspire engagement and learning.
User Experience (UX)Product DevelopmentMarket Fit Discovery

Tactile Designer (Toys & Games)

Jul 2021Mar 2023 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • Key Projects: Contributed to products that captivated children's senses and created an immersive playtime experience, primarily Phygital interactive toys focusing on STEAM and a potential License for Barbie
  • Bloomingo Brand Launch: Helped launch the sub-brand Bloomingo, expanding the company's reach in the Indian and international markets with a series of Budget-friendly pretend-play interactive books.
  • Extensive Research & Testing: Conducted extensive research and user testing to refine NPD and ensure they meet user needs leading to the launch of Bloomingo.
  • User-Centred Design Approach: Enhanced the tactile elements of toys through a user-centered approach, ensuring seamless form and function.
User-centered DesignResearchUser TestingToy Design

Toy Design Intern

Sep 2020Jul 2021 · 10 mos

  • Innovative Toy Development: Spearheaded the conception and development of Tacto Doctor, a Toy of the Year award-nominated innovative toy.
  • Leadership in Design: Played a pivotal role as the Toy Designer, focusing on bringing the idea and game to life, Physical & Digital gameplay
  • Team Collaboration: Instrumental in shaping the final product through effective collaboration with the team.
Toy DesignTeam Collaboration

Pearl academy

Visiting Lecturer

Oct 2022Oct 2022 · 0 mo · Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

  • Gave A talk about Tech, Design and Toys to students of Product and Accessory Design (Level0-Level2) And A brief introduction to Graduation Project and it’s importance.

Clay cutters india

Co-Founder

May 2021Present · 4 yrs 11 mos · Delhi, India

  • Clay Cutters India is the first of its kind in India, offering specialized 3D printing tools and supplies for polymer clay enthusiasts. The company has cultivated a dedicated community of over 2,000 customers and has supported 500 women in launching their businesses through thoughtfully designed DIY kits. Committed to international standards, Clay Cutters India is recognized for its quality and contribution to the growing creative industry.
  • Innovative Product Development: Launched advanced 3D printing tools and DIY kits tailored for polymer clay artists.
  • Multi-Channel Distribution: Expanded market presence through offline stores, a dedicated website, and Amazon.
  • Strategic Growth: Fostered business growth through strategic partnerships and enhanced product offerings.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasized high-quality products and customer service, leading to strong customer satisfaction.
LeadershipProduct DevelopmentBusiness DevelopmentEntrepreneurship

Parth overseas

Product and Lifestyle Designer

Oct 2020Nov 2020 · 1 mo · Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

  • Designed Home-Decor for Anthropologie and John Lewis.

Shitij dogra architects

Furniture and Lighting Designer

Jun 2020Aug 2020 · 2 mos · Delhi, India

  • Designed Furniture series for the upcoming series, 'Scales and patterns'.

Glue design pvt. ltd.

Industrial Designer

Sep 2019Dec 2019 · 3 mos · New Delhi Area, India

Hincel agency

Graphic Designer

May 2019Dec 2019 · 7 mos · Delhi, India

Digital ninjas

Pearl Academy - Campus Head

Jan 2019May 2020 · 1 yr 4 mos · Pearl Academy, Delhi

  • Head of Student society- Digital Ninja's (Digital Marketing and promotion)
  • Manage Pearl Academy's Official social media handles for events like Amazon India Fashion Week, Portfolio (the annual display of projects), Pearl Utsav (the annual fest) and many more. Interaction with celebrities and guests who grace such events.

Infinio taekwondo world

Graphic Designer

Jun 2018Aug 2018 · 2 mos · Hyderabad, Telangana, India

  • Infinio Taekwondo World P. Ltd. is established by Legendary Grandmaster M. Jayanth Reddy black belt 8th Dan. Worked as a graphic Designer and designed Banners, Certificates and ID-Cards.

National gallery of modern art, new delhi, india

Student Member

Jun 2018Jun 2018 · 0 mo · New Delhi Area, India

  • Summer Art Program 2018 Organized by National Gallery of Modern Art,New Delhi during the "Naimisa Art Program 2018"

Education

Pearl Academy

Industrial Design — Product and Lifestyle design

Jan 2017Jan 2021

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Bachelor's degree

Jan 2017Jan 2020

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