Fabled toy construction kit company Meccano, invented by British designer Frank Hornby in 1900, has released an adult-sized collection of 21 assembly parts as a part of the Meccano Home Furniture line.
The parts, which resemble the metal plates, pulleys and angle girders of the original toy variety and come in the same bright color palette, can be mixed and matched in order to create usable tables, chairs, storage and lighting options for the home. The pricey Meccano Home furniture line is available through the brand's online store.
This recent Meccano Home line may be the brand's reaction to resurged interest in the brand. The Meccano brand served as a source of inspiration for Dutch industrial designer Tomm Velthuis's Meekaanoo set, as well as the LOEWE by J.W. Anderson pre-launch accessories collection in 2014.
Colorful Toy Decor
The Meccano Home Furniture Line is for the Young at Heart
Trend Themes
1. Adult-sized Toy Furniture - Meccano's adult-sized collection of assembly parts for home furniture offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for the toy industry to cater to the young at heart.
2. Mix and Match Assembly Furniture - The ability to mix and match Meccano's assembly parts in the Home Furniture line presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the home decor industry to offer customizable furniture solutions.
3. Resurgence of Retro Brands - The resurged interest in the Meccano brand and its adult-sized collection highlights a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands in the retro toy industry to capitalize on nostalgia and create modern adaptations.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - Meccano's adult-sized collection of assembly parts for home furniture presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the toy industry to expand into the adult market.
2. Home Decor Industry - Meccano's mix and match assembly furniture in the Home Furniture line provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the home decor industry to offer customizable and playful furniture options.
3. Retro Toy Industry - The resurgence of the Meccano brand and its adult-sized collection creates a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands in the retro toy industry to rejuvenate and capitalize on nostalgia.