In a busy world full of technology, lots of parents are seeking entertaining toys that don’t result in their child tightly gripping a tablet or phone. Although technology has its place, it doesn’t have to be a replacement for good old fashioned play. MURO, a traditional toy company, has created a tactile wooden toy which gives children, of all ages, hours of fun and can be modified to suit a child’s interests and growing needs. The company currently has a Kickstarter campaign in the hopes of funding its first production of toys, due to be completed by the summer.
The MURO plug-and-play toy is made from Scandinavian birch plywood and consists of a wall-mounted frame with a circular grid (the product also comes in a portable cube design.) MURO allows plug-in game accessories to be added, allowing children hours of fun playing with add-ons from mini xylophones to complex beaded patterns.
As the MURO can be adapted and added to in so many ways, it is difficult to put a suitability age on the product. It can entertain toddlers as well as assist them in learning about color and shape, or help them develop fine motor skills. Equally, it can entertain primary aged children through add-ons such as logic puzzles and moving cogs.
The co-founding brothers at MURO have made it their mission to test the product rigorously for safety, longevity and functionality. The product has been developed in collaboration with educational psychologists and teachers to genuinely aid cognitive and physical development.
MURO’s Kickstarter campaign recently launched and has already raised over £24,000 of its £30,000 target.
Modular Activity Toys
MURO's Customizable Design Engages Kids of All Ages in Play
Trend Themes
1. Modular Toys - There's an opportunity to create more modular toys that can be adapted and added to in many ways.
2. Tactile Toys - Creating tactile toys that engage children and don't rely on technology can appeal to parents seeking alternatives to screen time.
3. Educational Toy - There's a chance to expand the field of educational toys and collaborate with educational psychologists to develop more ways to help children learn and develop physical skills.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturing companies can take advantage of the opportunity to design and develop more modular, tactile toys that cater to children's range of developmental stages.
2. Educational Technology - Edtech startups can pivot their focus towards developing educational toys which combine digital technology with traditional toys to create a new generation of toys.
3. Childcare - Childcare providers can use this modulable and tactile toy to provide educational childcare options to parents.