Roominate is a unique dollhouse that encourages different dreams for little girls. In place of the quintessential homemaker duties, Roominate is a customizable toy that boasts circuits to bring it to life. Girls rearrange the modules and then connect up the circuits to create an experience quite different for prefab dollhouses with 1950s decor.
Conceived by Alice Brooks, Jennifer Kessler and Bettina Chen, Roominate hopes to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), all subjects that are currently dominated by males. By engaging girls in these subjects at an earlier age, Roominate "is a toy designed to meet girls where they already are," as Fast Co Design aptly puts it. The designers write, "We believe that early exposure to STEM through toys will inspire change."
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Encouraging STEM Education
- Roominate inspires young girls to explore STEM subjects through play, paving the way for future advancements in technology and innovation.
- Disruptive Toy Design
- Roominate's customizable dollhouses with circuitry offer a unique and engaging play experience, disrupting traditional dollhouse designs and sparking creativity in children.
- Addressing Gender Stereotypes
- Roominate challenges traditional gender roles by demonstrating that girls can pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, opening doors for more inclusive and diverse industries.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Toy Manufacturing
- Toy manufacturers have the opportunity to create more innovative and educational products like Roominate that promote STEM learning, expanding their customer base and staying competitive.
- Education
- The education industry can integrate STEM-focused toys like Roominate into classrooms and curricula, fostering a love for science and technology from a young age and preparing students for future job opportunities in these fields.
- Gender Equality Initiatives
- Organizations championing gender equality can support and collaborate with companies like Roominate to promote diverse and inclusive workplaces, catalyzing a shift in gender stereotypes within various industries.
