# Tracking Playtime Toys that encourage physical play integrate a monitoring component for parents. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jul 18, 2017 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/tracking-playtime ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Tracking Playtime trend? **Tracking Playtime:** The youth generation is more engaged with their devices than any generation before them. This creates concern among parents for their children's physical well being; as a response, toys that encourage physical play are integrating a monitoring component. The gamification component appeals to digital-age children, while tracking alleviates the concerns of parents. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 5, 2017 to Apr 12, 2018 - Published: Jul 18, 2017 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Tracking Playtime trend ### Connected Play Toys and games that incorporate digital connectivity through hardware or software for kids to play with, while opening up new opportunities for parents to monitor and engage with playtime. ### Augmented Reality (AR) Innovations in AR technology that enable digital experiences blended with physical objects creating immersive, creative play and innovative educational opportunities. ### Physical Gamification A combination of physical activities and gamification that make use of digital connectivity to encourage interactive play and healthy physical activity for children. ## What the Tracking Playtime trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry Combining traditional toys with modern technology-driven solutions can create highly immersive play that maximizes children's physical and cognitive development. ### For Fitness Industry Wearable technology and gamification in workouts can create an immersive and fun environment to encourage healthy lifestyle habits. ### For Education Industry AR technology and other gamified learning experience can be integrated with traditional educational systems to create a more engaging and effective way of learning. ## Workshop question How can your product both solve a problem and educate customers? ## Trend signals for Tracking Playtime Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 56%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 70% - Activity: 56% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Tracking Playtime trend 4 featured examples from Jan 5, 2017 to Apr 12, 2018. - [Children's Stationary Bike Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-cycle): Fisher-Price's Think & Learn Smart Cycle Helps Kids Stay Active (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Incorporating interactive exercise features into educational toys like stationary bikes has the potential to revolutionize the market by promoting both physical and mental develop… - [Bluetooth Boxing Glove Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boxing-game): The 'Jabii' Boxing Game Offers a Fun, Safe and Connected Experience (Category: Tech) Implication: The 'Jabii' boxing game represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the gaming industry to develop more physically active and safe gaming experiences. - [Interactive Digital Playmats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-zanzibar): Microsoft's Project Zanzibar Brings All Objects into a Digital Space (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Toy companies can utilize the technology to create new interactive experiences for their customers, and potentially reinvigorate the 'toys to life' trend. - [AR Car Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-wheels-ar-app): The Hot Wheels AR App is Bringing Modern Tech to Classic Kids' Toys (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy industry can explore AR technology to create more interactive experiences for consumers and increase sales. ## 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)