Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
2.6
Trend score
Trend
What is the Programmable Play trend?
Programmable Play: The evolution of code literacy goes all the way back to MySpace, when social interaction pushed young Millennials to teach themselves basic code. Minecraft ushered in a new, more advanced iteration of self-taught code for the new generation, causing them to expect the same level of freedom and complexity in all tech.
Trend themes
Themes within the Programmable Play trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Open-source Gaming
As Generation Z comes to expect open-source gaming, businesses in the gaming industry have an opportunity to create platforms that encourage user customization and collaboration.
02
Customizable Technology
From customizable gaming peripherals to programmable building blocks, there is an increasing demand for technology that can be tailored to personal preferences and individual needs.
03
Smart Wearables for Kids
Wearable technology for kids has emerged as a new market, with programmable smart jewelry and intelligent building blocks offering opportunities for innovation and personalization.
Industry implications
What the Programmable Play trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Gaming
The gaming industry can tap into the trend of open-source gaming to create platforms that encourage user customization and collaboration.
For
Technology
The growing demand for customizable technology, from gaming peripherals to smart building blocks, presents opportunities for innovation and differentiation within the tech industry.
For
Education
Smart wearable technology for kids, such as programmable friendship bracelets and intelligent building blocks, offers new tools for educators to monitor and encourage cognitive development.
Workshop question
How can your brand empower younger consumers to engage their critical thinking skills?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Programmable Play
Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 38%, activity 32%, freshness 8%.
Popularity38%
Activity32%
Freshness8%
Audience
70%Men
30%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial (not a primary audience)
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Programmable Play trend
6 featured examples from Jun 11, 2014 to Dec 24, 2015CategoryTech
Open-Source Animating Programs
Film Company Pixar Will Be Releasing a New Animation Software
The open-source animation software disrupts the film production industry by providing independent filmmakers with access to sophisticated animation tools.
CategoryLife-Stages
Smart Friendship Bracelets
Minecraft Inspired the Programmable Jewelbots for Tween Girls
The collaboration of fashion and technology in Jewelbots presents an opportunity for fashion industry professionals to develop new lines of smart accessories for young girls.
CategoryLife-Stages
App-Connected Building Blocks
playDXTR Smart Building Blocks Track Cognitive Development in Kids
The toy industry can leverage smart building blocks to create innovative products that combine physical play and digital intelligence, enabling cognitive development in children.
CategoryTech
Customizable Gaming Peripherals
The Roccat Tyon is Fast, Versatile & Ideal for Tailored Gameplay
There are opportunities for gaming equipment manufacturers to incorporate customizable features, like assignable buttons, in their products.
CategoryTech
Customizable Platformer Games
Nintendo's Mario Maker Will Let You Build Your Own Levels
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating software tools for game designers to easily develop customizable games and user-friendly level creation interfaces.
CategoryTech
Refreshed Classic Games
The Minecraft: Story Mode Game Adds Plot and Characters to a Classic Game
Video game developers can explore updating classic video games and adding characters, plot, and immersive elements to boost player engagement.
