# Sensory Storytelling Young parents look for innovative reading formats to inspire children. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published May 17, 2017 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sensory-storytelling ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Sensory Storytelling trend? **Sensory Storytelling:** Using virtual, emotional and tactile cues, children’s narratives are leaping out of the 2D page and engaging young readers in completely new ways. New parents keen to develop the emotional intelligence of their offspring through sensorial experience, are finding innovative formats to engage short attention spans, spark curiosity and promote intellectual development. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 9, 2015 to Jan 4, 2017 - Published: May 17, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Sensory Storytelling trend ### Sensory Experience Businesses can utilize the appeal of sensory and tactile experiences to create unique and engaging products for children, such as paper fairy tale theaters and 3D-printed picture books. ### Educational Storytelling The rise of educational storytelling provides an opportunity for businesses to incorporate and promote knowledge acquisition through artistic and narrative means, as shown in the 360° Book: Earth and the Moon and Chrysalis. ### AR/VR Technology Augmented reality and virtual reality technologies can provide a new level of interactive engagement in traditional activities, such as children's games and story time, like in SpinTales. ## What the Sensory Storytelling trend means for industry ### For Education Educational institutions and publishers can utilize educational storytelling and tactile learning experiences to innovate and create immersive learning opportunities. ### For Toy The toy industry can leverage new sensory and tactile experiences in traditional forms of entertainment, such as through paper fairy tale theaters and augmented reality textiles, to create unique playtime experiences. ### For Print The printing industry can improve accessibility to traditional print media, such as picture books for visually impaired children, utilizing the innovation from 3D-printing technology. ## Workshop question In what ways could your brand use methods of storytelling to connect to different consumer segments? ## Trend signals for Sensory Storytelling Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 62%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Sensory Storytelling trend 5 featured examples from Dec 9, 2015 to Jan 4, 2017. - [Augmented Reality Textile Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spintales): The SpinTales Game Is Being Unveiled at CES 2017 (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies that produce textiles can partner with AR/VR app developers to create new product lines that incorporate AR technology. - [Artistic 3D Moon Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-book): 360°Book: Earth and the Moon Creates a Visual Experience (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Incorporating 3D printing technology and designing interactive books that add a visual aspect to storytelling. - [3D-Printed Picture Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-picture-books-project): The Tactile Picture Books Project Helps Blind Children Follow a Story (Category: Social Good) Implication: Integrating 3D printing technology into educational materials and resources to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for visually impaired students. - [Paper Fairy Tale Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-toys): Pukaca's Paper Toys Recreate Beloved Story Sets (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Integrating paper-based materials and interactive elements into toy manufacturing processes can result in novel and captivating play experiences, garnering consumer interest and b… - [Meditative Kids Storybooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chrysalis): 'Chrysalis' Teaches Kids about Meditation and Mindfulness (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity for children's book publishers to create a new category of storybooks focused on teaching meditation and mindfulness. ## 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)