# Laissez-Faire Learning Embracing energetic youth, brands take a laissez-faire approach to learning. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 27, 2014, updated Feb 21, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/educational-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Laissez-Faire Learning trend? **Laissez-Faire Learning:** Acknowledging the playful nature of children by speaking to their sense of humor, brands are adopting new ways to garner the attention of youths and satisfy parental desire for a form of stimulation that’s multi-faceted and immersive. This playful marriage of fun and function through product further enhances socialization early on, which engrosses a child’s cognitive abilities to desire constant stimulation. Reinterpreting societal norms, this attention to immersive, interactive playtime is not only switching up the way children learn, but also how adults respond to development in the digital age. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 16, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: Jan 27, 2014 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Laissez-Faire Learning trend ### Interactive Learning Apps The rise of interactive storybook apps will require educational publishers to digitally reformat their products for a younger, tech-savvy demographic. ### Educational Wooden Toys A growing trend of playful wooden toys that teach children how to code is emerging, challenging the plastic educational toy market. ### Educational Apps for Kids Educational apps incorporating interactive images and/or gaming elements will become an increasingly popular way for children to learn remotely. ## What the Laissez-Faire Learning trend means for industry ### For Educational Technology The intersection of child development, educational theory, and technology presents an excellent opportunity for companies to develop innovative educational products that provide unique learning experiences. ### For Children's Literature Educational children's literature is a rapidly growing industry as parents seek new ways to interact with their children and supplement traditional learning methods. ### For Toy Manufacturing The toy manufacturing industry has a unique opportunity to create playful learning experiences that bridge the gap between traditional education and playtime. ## Trend signals for Laissez-Faire Learning Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 43%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 43% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Laissez-Faire Learning trend 4 featured examples from Nov 16, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014. - [Educational Anatomy Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anatomy-app): The Humanatomy Health App Helps to Teach Children About the Body (Category: Social Good) Implication: Expanding the use of technology in education to provide innovative learning experiences through interactive apps. - [Preschooler Programming Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primo-play-set): The Primo Play Set Teaches Coding Before Reading (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The traditional toy industry can incorporate interactive and educational components in their products to attract tech-savvy parents and cater to the growing technological interest… - [Interactive Alphabetized Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veggietales): VeggieTales' Educational Kids App is Fun and Skill-Building (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Developing innovative apps that combine education and entertainment for children, leveraging popular characters and interactive features. - [Binary Code Picture Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-robot-story): A Robot Story Promises to Teach Kids How to Count in Binary Code (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The education industry will need to stay up-to-date on technological advancements and new learning techniques to offer the most effective learning experiences to students. ## 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)