# Infantile Engineering Jobs in science and technology introduced to kids through toys. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published May 26, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/profession-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Infantile Engineering trend? **Infantile Engineering:** Jobs within industries like engineering and technology are identified as necessities even in strict financial times, which has encouraged the post-recession consumer to encourage kids, and in some cases specifically young girls, to develop interest in future careers in this realm with related toys. Augmenting play to be dual-purpose, the innovations place distinct merit on science and technology to create a generation well-suited to the world they'll grow up in. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 3 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: May 26, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Infantile Engineering trend ### Encouraging STEM Education For Kids The prominence of toys and applications that educate children about science, technology, engineering and mathematics has been gradually increasing, creating a viable market and industry for child education technology. ### Non-Traditional Gender Advertising Toy companies are increasingly rejecting gender stereotypes in advertising and focusing on creating inclusive and educational products designed for all genders, particularly in STEM fields. ### DIY Modular Toys for Building and Creativity The development of building toys that are designed to be modular and freeform creates opportunities for children to engage with circuits and electronics, as well as develop a range of critical thinking skills. ## What the Infantile Engineering trend means for industry ### For Child Education Technology A burgeoning industry is emerging in the creation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) toys and educational applications. ### For Toy Manufacturing Toy companies are creating more products aimed at children interested in STEM subjects, a trend which shows a rise in inclusive and educational toys aimed at children of all genders. ### For Modular Toy Building and Robotics The development of modular building toys and the increased interest in accessible and affordable robotics provides opportunities for toy manufacturers to create new products that utilize robotics, automation and programmable functions. ## Trend signals for Infantile Engineering Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Infantile Engineering trend 6 featured examples from Feb 3 to Sep 16, 2014. - [DIY Mechanical Playthings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strawbees-toy-kit): The Strawbees Toy Kit Targets Aspiring Architects and Engineers (Category: Eco) Implication: Toy manufacturers can tap into the DIY prototyping trend by developing kits and playsets that encourage creative and hands-on learning experiences. - [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. - [Aspiring Architect Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/construction-toy): Carlos Ng's Construction Toy Set is Designed for Little Architects (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for toy manufacturers to develop magnetic construction sets that encourage open-ended play and cognitive development. - [Empowering Engineering Toy Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-for-girls): This Ad for Goldiblox' Toys for Girls Shows Your Brain on Princess (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Transforming the traditional toy industry to become more inclusive and empowering for young girls. - [Empowering Female Toy Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goldieblox-toy-company): The GoldieBlox Toy Company Creates Toys for Female Innovators (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies can explore the market potential of creating gender-inclusive toys that empower young girls and promote STEM education. - [Modular Electronic Building Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-bits): Little Bits' Space Kit Was Developed in Partnership with NASA (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate technology and modular design into traditional toy manufacturing processes to create interactive and educational toys. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## 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)