# Kid-Friendly Programming Devices The 'Micro:bit' is an Educational Device for Young Programmers By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-07-08 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidfriendly-programming References: [techcrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2015/07/07/the-microbit-is-shaping-up-to-be-the-perfect-programming-device-for-kids/?ncid=rss) & [bbc](http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/microbit/thebbcmicrobit) The 'Micro:bit' is a kid-friendly programming device that is designed to spark the interest of young entrepreneurs. The main function of the educational device is to teach children about [basic programming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-education-computer-science-ai) by giving them a means of designing their own clever creations. The Micro:bit is essentially a pocket-sized computer that allows children to code, customize and design their own ideas, games and apps. The device is completely programmable, which means that each of its features can be individually customized. The device is designed for easy use and allows children to use their imagination to create anything from animations to scrolling stories. [BBC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microscope-toy-for-kids) helped to fund the Micro:bit as part of an effort to help British school children explore the world of programming and computing. BBC even plans to give away one million of the [kid-friendly programming devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/technology-products-for-children) in the hopes of inspiring young entrepreneurs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Kid-friendly Programming Devices:** The 'Micro:bit' is an educational device for young programmers. - **Basic Programming Education:** The Micro:bit is designed to teach children about basic programming and coding. - **Imagination-driven Creation:** The Micro:bit allows children to use their imagination to create animations, games, and apps. ### Who This Affects Most - **Education Technology:** The Micro:bit provides an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the education technology industry for young programmers. - **Toy Industry:** Companies in the toy industry can explore disruptive innovation by creating kid-friendly programming devices like the Micro:bit. - **Edutainment:** The Micro:bit offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the edutainment industry by combining education and entertainment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Engaging Computer Science Terminals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elecrow-crowpi-3.md) - [Interactive Educational Coding Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imagicharm.md) - [Introductory Connected Device Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plug-and-make-kit.md) - [Playful Coding Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pyxel.md) - [Reprogrammable Robot Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quarky.md) - [Educational Coding Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/codeventure.md) - [Programming Code-Powered Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zerone-2.md) - [Educational Programmable Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robomaster-s1.md) - [Developer-Friendly Microcontrollers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lilygo-tdeck-plus.md)