Category
Life-Stages
Constructible Franchises
Trend cluster
Category
Upgraded
Play
Classic toy designs are brought into the tech-obsessed age with digital enhancements.
4.3
Trend score
Trend
What is the Upgraded Play trend?
Upgraded Play: Although the incorporation of technology in playthings is becoming commonplace, a rising number of innovations that give classic designs a modern overhaul are creating parental nostalgia. Wanting to provide children with the same experiences they had, but in a more 21st-century way, the designs also satisfy a child's need for constant electronic stimulation.
Trend themes
Themes within the Upgraded Play trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Retrofuturism
Modernizing classic designs satisfy both nostalgia and electronic stimulation.
02
Digitalization of Analog Toys
Digital upgrades to traditional toys enhance experience and create new gaming possibilities.
03
App-Connected Toys
Toys that connect to apps provide new experiences, learning opportunities and stimulation.
Industry implications
What the Upgraded Play trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Toy Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies can create new products to satisfy changing needs of electronic and non-electronic users through improved designs and upgrade concepts.
For
Technology
Toys with digital capabilities and app connectivity tap into the constantly-growing tech industry, bridging the gap between physical and digital, and creating new solutions for everyday material culture.
For
Cloud Computing
Capturing and storing data on the cloud platform solves data storage problems and allows playback on any device, creating new potential for cloud computing and innovation.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Upgraded Play
Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 52%, freshness 8%.
Popularity70%
Activity52%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Evidence
Examples of the Upgraded Play trend
6 featured examples from Oct 31, 2013 to May 8, 2014CategoryLife-Stages
App-Controlled Paper Airplanes
The PowerUp 3.0 by Shai Gaitan Digitizes a Traditional Toy
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate traditional toy manufacturing processes by incorporating digital components for enhanced play value.
CategoryLife-Stages
Sensational Sound Effect Bracelets
The Moff Bracelet Makes Anything a Toy
The toy industry can disrupt traditional offerings by incorporating smart wearable technology and interactive play experiences.
CategoryLife-Stages
Analog Counting Covers
The Abacus iPhone Case Encourages Tactile and Virtual Interaction
The Abacus iPhone Case is disrupting the smartphone accessories industry by offering a unique and interactive case design.
CategoryEco
Kinetic Desktop Toys
The Kinetic Light Newton’s Cradle is a Luminescent Version of the Class
The creation of LED desktop toys creates innovation opportunities in the office supplies and decor industry.
CategoryLife-Stages
Informative App-Connected Teddy Bears
Kids Can Get Answers to Their Questions From the Wikibear
The connected toy trend offers opportunities for toy manufacturers to incorporate technology into their products and enhance the overall play experience for children.
CategoryLife-Stages
Video Exploration Toys
The Moment Magnifier Video Toy Captures the World Through a Kid's Eyes
The Moment Magnifier presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the toy manufacturing industry, particularly in the realm of video exploration toys.
