Brand: TAIT Design Co.
Role: Product Designer, Founder, Creative Director
Designed by Matthew Tait, 2014

The Sling-Slang YOYO was designed to bring new life to a classic toy, combining sustainable materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and playful design. Made from sustainably sourced maple wood, each yoyo was screen-printed by hand in Detroit.

With a balanced weight and smooth spin, the Sling-Slang YOYO was designed for both beginners and experienced players, making it as enjoyable to use as it was to display.

Bringing this product to market involved:
✦ Product design—from concept to production
✦ Material sourcing and sustainable manufacturing partnerships
✦ Packaging design, branding, and storytelling
✦ Marketing, social strategy, and retail distribution

The Sling-Slang YOYO was carried by over 250 retailers worldwide and was customized for major institutions, including:
✦ The Guggenheim Museum (New York)
✦ The Henry Ford Museum
✦ The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)

Awards & Features:
✦ First Place – The Dieline Awards, 2015
✦ Featured in "Eco-Packaging Design" by Images Publishing
✦ Press coverage from Design Milk, The Dieline, and The Coolector

The Sling-Slang YOYO proved that even the simplest toys can be elevated through great design, turning a childhood staple into a modern, well-crafted object built to last.