# Digital Toy Blocks These Magnetic Building Blocks Immerse Children in Their Own Digital Creations By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-07-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnetic-building-blocks References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/07/05/vaclav-mlynar-rca-graduate-show-2016-koski-board-game/) & [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3061564/these-smart-building-blocks-let-kids-build-worlds-then-explore-them/1) These magnetic building blocks were designed to work as an immersive children's play experience that combines both "[physical and digital play](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tokidos-playcubes)." The blocks are first assembled to form a structure that is then captured onto the accompanying app with an [iPad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-educational-app) camera. The app completes the image with details such as trees and ladders with the use of "object recognition technology." A character appears on the screen and the children must alter the magnetic building blocks to change the character's path. The blocks allow children to complete mazes and adventures, build worlds and use their problem solving skills. These magnetic building blocks are an excellent way for children to use reasoning and their imaginations to experiment with small-scale design and architecture. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Immersive Play Experience:** The combination of physical and digital play creates an immersive experience for children. - **Object Recognition Technology:** The use of object recognition technology enhances the play experience by adding details and characters. - **Problem Solving Skills:** The interactive nature of the toy blocks encourages children to use their problem solving skills. ### Where This Applies - **Toy Industry:** The toy industry can leverage these magnetic building blocks to create new innovative products that combine physical and digital play. - **Educational Technology Industry:** The integration of object recognition technology in educational products can enhance learning experiences for children. - **Architecture and Design Industry:** The magnetic building blocks provide a platform for children to experiment with small-scale design and architecture, creating potential opportunities for the architecture and design industry to engage with a younger audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Magnetic Toy Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tenki-spliced-magnetic-attraction-toy.md) - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Magnetic Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecraft.md) - [NFC-Enabled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-building-blocks.md) - [Magnetic Building Tiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magna-tiles.md) - [Lego-Centric Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brick-my-world.md) - [Sensor-Driven Play Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-smart-bricks.md) - [Magnetic 3D Building Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnetic-building-kit.md) - [Origami-Inspired Playful Magnetic Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trido.md)