# Distant Playground Playground designs are altered to align with social distancing policies. By [Amy Duong](https://www.trendhunter.com/amyduong), Trend and Research Writer | Published May 19, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/distant-playground ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Distant Playground trend? **Distant Playground:** As summer approaches, the threat of the global COVID-19 pandemic will still require safety precautions to be taken in public spaces. As a result, public parks and playgrounds are developing secure design concepts so that citizens can still enjoy the outdoors comfortably. ## The consumer insight behind the Distant Playground trend The COVID-19 pandemic has halted or limited many public functions for safety purposes. Due to this, consumers are looking for a sense of normalcy in their routine and search for ways to enjoy public locations with social distancing policies in place. They favor outdoor designs that monitor safety and offer a sense of normalcy that reminds them of pre-COVID life. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 29 to Jun 10, 2020 - Published: May 19, 2020 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Distant Playground trend ### Safe Distancing Designs Designs that cater to social distancing measures have become a trend in public spaces such as in playgrounds and outdoor recreational areas. ### Innovative Outdoor Play Equipment Autonomous vehicles and new mobile playground designs are emerging as innovative outdoor play equipment in response to the need for safe recreational activities. ### Social Distance Flooring Social distance floor markings in the workplace have become a trend in response to COVID-19 safety measures. ## What the Distant Playground trend means for industry ### For Playground Equipment Industry The playground equipment industry has the opportunity to create more innovative and safe play equipment such as autonomous vehicles and mobile playground designs for children while still maintaining social distancing. ### For Flooring Industry The flooring industry can innovate by creating more social distance floor markings in public spaces, helping individuals maintain a safe distance from each other in large spaces. ### For Outdoor Recreation Industry The outdoor recreation industry can develop products such as The Beach Ring to help people maintain a safe distance from each other while enjoying outdoor activities in large gatherings. ## Workshop question How can your company pivot experiences to meet local and global safety standards? ## Trend signals for Distant Playground Trend score 6.2 out of 10, from popularity 87%, activity 90%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 87% - Activity: 90% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Distant Playground trend 5 featured examples from Apr 29 to Jun 10, 2020. - [Outdoor Distancing Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-distancing-circle): The Beach Ring Creates a 12-Foot Diameter Social Distancing Circle (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for outdoor recreation companies to explore the creation of social distancing equipment with patent-pending designs. - [Distancing Playground Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playground-concept): Rimbin's Design Helps Kids Play Together But Apart (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Manufacturers can innovate by creating equipment that promotes individual play areas and infection prevention in playgrounds. - [Self-Driving Mobile Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-playground): Nendo Introduces an Interesting Use for Autonomous Vehicles (Category: Autos) Implication: Toy manufacturers can explore opportunities to develop and produce autonomous mobile playground equipment that offers a unique and interactive playtime. - [Safe Distance Park Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/domino-park): NYC's Domino Park Paints Large Circles to Encourage Social Distancing (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating social distancing guidelines into park and public space designs is a new opportunity for urban planners to innovate in the post-COVID-19 world. - [Social Distance Floor Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-distance-floor): Milliken Has Launched a Product to Assist in Keeping People Apart (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for flooring companies to develop and market social distance floor designs that prioritize safety and compliance. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)