Toymaker Matel just finished a "makeover" for one of the style icons of all time - Barbie. The inclusion of an MP3 player and virtual world avatar in the doll shaped player are hoped to stem a 5 year decline in sales.
Following on from Webkinz and of course MP3 players, this toy "aspiration figure" (it's a Simspons reference - see Lisa Lionheart) will seek to compete with the, rather more edgy, Bratz line of dolls.
The firm also launched BarbieGirls.com where kids can create their own virtual Barbie doll and even take it to the virtual mall. The inclusion of a social networking space for young girls is an even braver move (even with the extra security measures).
Should be great to watch how social commentators place the new tech savvy Barbie as an intellectual compared to the high-boots short-skirt vacuous Bratz. Even though the reverse is probably more true.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Toy Tech Integration
- Integration of technology in toys is an emerging trend that presents opportunities for toymakers to innovate and capture new markets.
- Virtual Worlds for Kids
- Creating virtual worlds for kids is a growing trend that presents opportunities for companies to engage kids in new ways and monetize them through subscriptions and in-app purchases.
- Social Networking for Kids
- Social networking spaces for kids is a trend that presents opportunities for companies to create safe and controlled environments that allow kids to connect with each other and share their experiences and preferences.
Where This Applies
- Toy Manufacturing
- Toy manufacturers can leverage the trend of integrating technology in toys to create new product lines that appeal to tech-savvy kids and capture new markets.
- Gaming
- The trend of creating virtual worlds for kids presents opportunities for gaming companies to create immersive experiences that engage kids and monetize them through subscriptions and in-app purchases.
- Social Networking
- Companies can create social networking spaces for kids that offer a safe and controlled environment for them to connect with each other and share their experiences and preferences.
