<!-- canonical: https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/brainteaser-20 -->
<!-- robots: noindex -->

# Brainteaser 2.0
Added features are added to puzzle pieces for an experiential twist.

By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 26, 2016 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/brainteaser-20

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 3.4/10
- Evidence articles: 6

## What is the Brainteaser 2.0 trend?

**Brainteaser 2.0:** As the attention span of youths increasingly diminish, brands are re-designing traditionally straight-forward toys like puzzles with unexpected, experiential elements. Offering more than just cognitive interaction, brands are integrating elements like LED lighting and physical stimulation to not only delight consumers, but also redefine how intellectual games are experienced.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 6 featured examples
- Articles from: Sep 12, 2015 to Apr 27, 2016
- Published: Jan 26, 2016
- Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection)
- Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Themes within the Brainteaser 2.0 trend

### Experiential Puzzle Toys

Brands are re-designing toys like puzzles with unexpected, experiential elements to redefine how intellectual games are experienced.

### Gaming Puzzle Toys

Toys like Puzzlets give kids coding and game development skills, bringing old school puzzles into the technology age.

### Mechanical 3D Puzzles

Wooden toy sets like the Ukrainian Gear offer an added challenge of putting together a mechanical structure that challenges both the mind and intellect.

## What the Brainteaser 2.0 trend means for industry

### For Toy Industry

Brands can create puzzles with experiential elements that offer consumers a more engaging experience.

### For Education Industry

Educational STEM toys like Puzzlets can provide hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and develop coding, game development, and problem solving skills.

### For Gift Industry

Customizable, unique puzzles like the Ukrainian Gear can provide creative and personalized gifting options for consumers.

## Workshop question

What could you add to your product or brand to increase the experience or ritual?

## Trend signals for Brainteaser 2.0

Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 49%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 46%
- Activity: 49%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Brainteaser 2.0 trend

6 featured examples from Sep 12, 2015 to Apr 27, 2016.

- [Overcomplicated Kids Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/13-x-13-x-13-rubiks-cube): The 13 x 13 x 13 Rubik's Cube by YJ MoYu is Impossibly Difficult (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore the production of complex puzzle toys that cater to both children and adults.
- [Spherical Maze Brainbusters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puzzles): The A-Maze-Ball Games Offer Circular Puzzles to Keep the Mind Active (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: The toy industry can benefit from the trend of reviving classic games by reimagining and updating old favorites to appeal to modern-day consumers.
- [Mechanical 3D Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-puzzle): The Ukrainian Gears is a Dimensional Puzzle That Offers an Added Challenge (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to explore and expand their line of wooden 3D puzzles with mechanical features.
- [Shock-Inducing Brainteasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rubik-cube-game): This Faux Rubik Cube Game Shocks the Players After Two Turns (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: Potential for incorporating electric shocks or other surprising elements into novelty products.
- [Horror Movie Prop Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hellraiser-puzzle-box): This Hellraiser Puzzle Box is Styled After the Horrific Item from the Films (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: The film memorabilia industry can seize the opportunity to produce and sell high-quality replica toys based on iconic movie props.
- [Gaming Puzzle Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-game-system): Learning Game System Puzzlets Gives Kids Coding and Game Development Skills (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore the design and production of STEM toys that combine traditional puzzles with technology to appeal to modern children.

## Recent trend clusters

- [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages)
- [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle)
- [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle)
- [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle)

## Trending in Life-Stages

- [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees)
- [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones)
- [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube)
- [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules)

All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)
