# Communalized Play Hoping to stave off individualism, parents formalize interaction through toys. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Feb 24, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/communalized-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.4/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Communalized Play trend? **Communalized Play:** As technology infiltrates childhood more and more, the desire to push children in a more social-centric direction is taking precedent to help stave off the effects of a society heavily focused on individualism. Requiring multiple players, the toys identify a shift from natural socialization to a new reality where child interaction has evolved to require instigation by parents and playtime aids. This notion is actually dual purpose, as it foster relationships between parents that are craved, but rarely started because of a lack of time and purpose. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 9, 2013 to Jan 21, 2014 - Published: Feb 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Communalized Play trend ### Communal Play Toys that require multiple players and instigate playtime aids are becoming popular to foster relationships and stave off the effects of a highly individualistic society. ### Interactive Products Products that incorporate play into functional items (like interactive T-shirts and tablecloths) are becoming increasingly common among children's toys. ### High-Tech Playtime Kids' toys are incorporating new technology that allows for live video talk, interactive 3D imaging, and photo editing capabilities. ## What the Communalized Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Companies creating toys for children could consider incorporating high-tech features or making products that allow for communal play to stay relevant in the market. ### For Home Furnishings Industry Home furnishings companies could explore creating furniture or decor that incorporates play elements for children, like multi-functional activity tables or interactive tablecloths. ### For Educational Industry Educational organizations could consider incorporating interactive and high-tech components into lesson plans to keep children engaged in learning and foster a more collaborative learning environment. ## Trend signals for Communalized Play Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 30%, activity 33%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 30% - Activity: 33% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Communalized Play trend 6 featured examples from May 9, 2013 to Jan 21, 2014. - [Interactive Playtime Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-play-mat-tshirt-by-bky-kids): The Car Play Mat T-Shirt by Bky Kids Allows for Play When Dad is Napping (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating interactive play features in children's apparel. - [Colossal Coloring Pages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-coloring-pages): These Big Coloring Pages are Perfect for Play Dates (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Scope for creating large-scale coloring products that enhance group play experiences. - [Multi-Functioning Activity Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-and-store-activity): The Build and Store Activity Table Brings Kids Together (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: developing customizable and multi-functional table designs for children that optimize space and accommodate different activities. - [Kiddie 3D Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moidoi-camera): The Moidoi Camera Encourages Fun Through Photographic Exploration (Category: Tech) Implication: The Moidoi Camera's 3D capabilities present opportunities for photographers to explore new visual storytelling techniques. - [Literal Baby Grand Pianos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childrens-piano): This Small Children’s Piano From Hape Helps Your Baby Play Thier (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The musical instrument industry can explore the market segment for child-sized instruments and develop innovative products specifically designed for young children. - [Child-Geared Dining Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tablecloth-play-house): The Tablecloth Play House Turns a Necessity into a Toy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The home decor industry can create and market child-focused designs that also serve as functional toys. ## Recent trend clusters - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Smile Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smile-cosmetics) (Fashion) - [Connected Filtration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-filtration) (Tech) - [Errand Leisure](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/errand-leisure) (Business) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Thoughtfully Designed Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glacier-lunchbox) - [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party) - [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)