# Reactive Play Kids' toys evolve to include sensor-integrated technology. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jan 26, 2016 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/reactive-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Reactive Play trend? **Reactive Play:** No longer reserved for tech-minded adults, sensor technology is being integrated into kids' toys and activities to add a heightened level of experience. Allowing the opportunity to connect different devices and even monitor physical traits and attributes, these products speak to not only a need for increased tech integration, but more intuitive forms of play as well. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 24, 2015 to Mar 10, 2016 - Published: Jan 26, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Reactive Play trend ### Sensor-Integrated Technology Integrating sensor technology into kids' toys and activities to add a heightened level of experience, promoting both increased tech integration and more intuitive forms of play. ### App-Connected Educational Tools Educational toys and tools for children that can be connected to mobile devices to help children learn about technology in a fun and interactive way, promoting early childhood development. ### DIY Self-Driving Toys DIY construction sets for children that allow them to create their own miniature self-driving vehicles and other STEM-related projects, promoting art/design, engineering, math, science and technology education. ## What the Reactive Play trend means for industry ### For Education Educational institutions and services can use sensor-integrated technology and app-connected educational toys to promote early childhood development through the use of technology. ### For Toys Toy companies can create innovative products that incorporate sensor technology and physical play to create a heightened level of experience for children. ### For Tech Hardware Tech hardware companies can create self-driving and sensor-embedded toys for kids that help in cognitive development while also being cost-effective and affordable. ## Workshop question How will your brand resonate with the new generation of digital natives? ## Trend signals for Reactive Play Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 39%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 39% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Reactive Play trend 5 featured examples from Oct 24, 2015 to Mar 10, 2016. - [App-Connected Educational Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appconnected): This Interactive Toy is Designed to Introduce Kids to Technology (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: This innovation has disruptive potential within the educational toy industry by incorporating app-connectivity to enhance learning outcomes. - [Color-Scanning Styluses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylus-for-kids): The 'Mozbii' is a Stylus for Kids that Enables Exploration and Interaction (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for incorporating fun tools like the Mozbii stylus to aid in children's education. - [Comfort-Monitoring Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-temperature-sensor): The Hoko Baby Temperature Sensor is Wearable Tech for Non-Verbal Children (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate technology into baby products to enhance safety and convenience for parents. - [DIY Self-Driving Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steam-kit): Kids Can Now Make Self-Driving Cars With littleBits' STEAM Kit (Category: Tech) Implication: Innovative STEAM kits for kids to make self-driving cars and other creative smart robots offer opportunities for toy makers to create educational toys that support fun and hands-o… - [App-Connected Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-building-blocks): playDXTR Smart Building Blocks Track Cognitive Development in Kids (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can leverage smart building blocks to create innovative products that combine physical play and digital intelligence, enabling cognitive development in children. ## 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)