# Cognitive Coloring Brands offer imaginative stimulation through conceptual kids products. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research 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/cognitive-coloring ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Cognitive Coloring trend? **Cognitive Coloring:** As modern parenting is increasingly defined by providing children with well-rounded development though any means necessary, brands are creating toys that specifically look to spark imagination through color theory. Whether in the form of hands-on, educational activities or conceptual packaging that forgoes labels in order to spark imagination, such efforts highlight the importance of cognitive stimulation in later childhood development. This progression speaks to the view of toys as an opportunity to provide the foundation for lifetime learning through play. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 29, 2015 to Jan 25, 2016 - Published: Jan 26, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Cognitive Coloring trend ### Color Theory Education Brands are creating toys that specifically look to spark imagination through color theory. ### Customizable Colors Toys and tools are being designed to allow children to create their own colors and hues. ### Digital/Physical Integration Products that enable children to interact with the physical world and digitize their creations empower them to learn and create in new ways. ## What the Cognitive Coloring trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Customizable, educational toys that empower creativity and imagination are increasingly popular. ### For Art Supplies Customizable art supplies and tools enable artists and creators to experiment and push the limits of their craft. ### For Education Technology Digital tools and apps that integrate with physical toys and create new educational opportunities are on the rise. ## Workshop question How would you educate consumers about your brand through a gamified experience? ## Trend signals for Cognitive Coloring Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 49%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 49% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Cognitive Coloring trend 5 featured examples from Sep 29, 2015 to Jan 25, 2016. - [Nameless Coloring Supplies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coloring-supplies): 'Nameless Paints' Avoid Restricting Imagination by Labeling Color Names (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The usage of label-less colors and customizable supplies can revolutionize the arts and crafts industry. - [Colorful Interactive Kindergartens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/building-facade): This Interactive Building Facade Encourages Children to Play (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The architecture industry can explore innovative designs and techniques for incorporating interactive elements into building facades. - [Color-Changing Markers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorchanging-markers): This Set Comes with a Special Pen That Changes Each Color to a New Hue (Category: Social Good) Implication: The color-changing markers offer a unique and creative twist to the traditional art supplies industry. - [Color-Scanning Styluses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylus-for-kids): The 'Mozbii' is a Stylus for Kids that Enables Exploration and Interaction (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for incorporating fun tools like the Mozbii stylus to aid in children's education. - [Gradient Pigment Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puzzle-set): These Puzzle Sets Focus on Recreating Color Shades Rather than Pictures (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can capitalize on the trend by offering a new type of puzzle product that focuses on gradient shades of color. ## 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)