# Cognitive Novelty Parental concern for juvenile mental health sparks demand for developmental play. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Apr 3, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/cognitive-novelty ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Cognitive Novelty trend? **Cognitive Novelty:** As the rates for cognitive differences like autism continue to rise, toy manufacturers are responding in kind with playthings that look to directly enhance physical and mental stimulation. Particularly targeting males, the innovations place a distinct focus on correlating development with play to satisfy parental desire to combat social alienation, as the toys mimic the look and feel of traditional goods to bolster interaction. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 23 to Sep 5, 2013 - Published: Apr 3, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Cognitive Novelty trend ### Neurodevelopmental Toys As the rates for cognitive differences like autism continue to rise, toy manufacturers are developing playthings that directly enhance physical and mental stimulation for children. ### Open Creative Play Toy companies are encouraging children to express their creativity by offering building blocks that do not come with instruction manuals. ### Multisensory Toys Toy makers are creating toys that engage a variety of senses and are particularly attractive to children with sensory processing differences, like autism. ## What the Cognitive Novelty trend means for industry ### For Toy Manufacturing Toy manufacturers are actively developing innovative products that address children's growing needs and concerns. ### For Education The development of neurodevelopmental toys and open creative building games could lead to the formation of new educational programs in schools that leverage these toys for learning. ### For Gaming The introduction of advanced interactive gaming, like the Futuro Cube, offers new possibilities for game developers in terms of creating more engaging and stimulating experiences for players. ## Trend signals for Cognitive Novelty Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 49%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 49% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Cognitive Novelty trend 5 featured examples from Mar 23 to Sep 5, 2013. - [Instruction-Less Building Block Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-architecture-studio): The LEGO Architecture Studio Lets People Decide What to Build (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate in the toy manufacturing industry by creating building kits that empower users to design their own structures. - [Multisensory Children Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joyco-by-jowan-baransi): Joyco by Jowan Baransi Focuses on Kids Who Suffer from Autism (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Integrating multisensory elements into toys that cater to the specific needs of children with autism. - [Malleable Kinetic Sand Formulas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculpting-sand): This Sculpting Sand Changes the Way People See the Substance (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Innovative material like kinetic sand can revolutionize the toy manufacturing industry by introducing new play experiences. - [Interactive Gaming Cube Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-toy): This Gaming Toy Reacts to Your Skills (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to tap into the growing market of interactive gaming toys that provide unique and engaging experiences. - [Autism Assisting Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nao-robot): The NAO Robot Helps to Teach Children with Autism (Category: Tech) Implication: The education industry has a disruptive innovation opportunity to integrate robots and AI to assist in special education. ## 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)