Toys

Implications - Though a fairly new development within the toy industry, STEM as a form of educational play is expanding, moving into larger toy brands by way of film-branded pieces. This is a positive development as the familiarity of these characters creates engagement with kids who don't find learning fun. [More]

Implications - The youth generation is more engaged with their devices than any generation before them. This creates concern among parents for their children's physical well being; as a response, toys that encourage physical play are integrating a monitoring component. The gamification component appeals to digital-age children, while tracking alleviates the concerns of parents. [More]

Implications - An under-discussed side effect of play is relaxation. This is boosting the adult desire for mindless enjoyment by way of small, tactical toys, while also boosting mindfulness components in toys targeted toward children. Stress is high in the digital age due to the frequency and volume of content consumption, making incremental relaxation more necessary than ever. [More]

Implications - One barrier to learning the STEAM practices is the lack of tangible outcome or incentive. Alleviating this, educational toys that treat the learning process as a means to a tangible end, such as building a robot or conducting an experiment, both attach a tangible prize and boost playtime engagement. This shows a less literal approach to gamification that focuses on personal satisfaction. [More]

Implications - The biggest challenge with teaching kids and adults how to become involved in the STEM practices is the potential tediousness of learning such a technical skill. Implementing a personified character into the process adds more human interest to the process. The strategy simultaneously boosts memorability of the toy or learning system, while making it more impactful. [More]

Implications - Skills like coding and engineering are more in-demand in the digital age. Parents are preparing their children for this through educational toys, but education on STEM practices is useful for those of all ages. Subscription kits that teach STEM open education up to all ages while also enabling streamlined learning. [More]

Implications - As the Millennial consumer ages, they fall victim to stress due to adult responsibilities and political unrest. This creates dual needs: a method of escape, and a way to connect with others over shared beliefs. Collectibles that reference social good satisfy both needs by encouraging escapism via adult play, and a chance to physically manifest political beliefs. [More]

Implications - The nature of fandom and the idea of deeply loving, and connecting with others, over a niche interest has clear social motivations in that it encourages a sense of belonging. This practice has shifted from niche to elite, appealing to adult consumers who bond over insider knowledge within a specific behavioral tribe. This reinforces the idea that consumers are looking to bond over deeper connections than surface commonalities. [More]

Implications - With parents looking to spend more time with their children, toy brands look for ways to appeal to both children and adults alike to foster bonding through joint interest. Taking an artistic approach to toy design, brands are producing eye-catching games that double as collectible décor, enticing parents to splurge a little more on a toy that also doubles as an aesthetic element to their home. [More]

Implications - Using virtual, emotional and tactile cues, children’s narratives are leaping out of the 2D page and engaging young readers in completely new ways. New parents keen to develop the emotional intelligence of their offspring through sensorial experience, are finding innovative formats to engage short attention spans, spark curiosity and promote intellectual development. [More]