# Child-Centric Creator Apps The Skylanders Imaginators App Lets Kids Create Physical Toys By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-10-04 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-app References: [time](http://time.com/4515697/skylanders-creator-preview/) & [skylanders](https://www.skylanders.com/video-games/skylanders-imaginators) Skylanders Imaginators is a marvelous new creator app that is designed for children, and is designed to make it possible for children to 3D-print their very own toys. Developed as part of a collaboration between Activision and the famous 3D-printing technology company Shapeways, this child-focused creator app makes it possible for players to go about creating their very own hero figure that they can then get printed. Each 3D-printed toy comes with a special stand as well as a protective plastic casing. While a lot of people complain that modern technology is going to make children disconnected from the joy of [physical play](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-it-mini), the Skylanders Imaginators app goes to show that the latest app technology can be used to actually enhance children's [physical creativity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joyful-outlines) and enjoyment. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Child-centric Creator Apps:** As children become more digitally savvy, apps that foster physical creativity like 3D printing can provide a unique opportunity for interactive play and personalized toy creation. - **Collaborative Technology Partnerships:** Collaboration between technology companies like Activision and Shapeways can lead to innovative and engaging products that combine physical and digital experiences. - **Connected Play Experiences:** Connected play experiences like Skylanders Imaginators that provide both virtual and physical elements can create a seamless and engaging play experience for children. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy companies could consider integrating 3D printing technology into their product offerings to allow children to create and customize their own toys. - **Gaming Industry:** Game developers could incorporate 3D printing technology into their game design to create new opportunities for interactive and customized gameplay. - **Educational Technology:** Edtech companies could explore integrating 3D printing technology into their educational products to promote hands-on learning and creativity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Selfie-Centric Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfie-series.md) - [Brick Builder Community Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-play-app.md) - [3D-Printable Toy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick.md) - [Kid-Friendly 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidoodle-minibox-a1.md) - [Creative Story Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imagine-tales.md) - [Interactive Holographic Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imagix.md) - [Personalized AI Storytelling Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/story-creator-ai.md) - [Augmented Reality Educational Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-educational-app.md) - [Voice-to-Sticker Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stickerbox.md)