# Life-Sized Building Blocks The MODU Tactile Foam Blocks Encourage Play and Creativity By Amy Duong | Published 2018-08-16 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modu References: [core77](https://www.core77.com/projects/79001/MODU-Life-Size-Building-Blocks-that-Encourage-Play) & [modutoy](https://modutoy.com/) The MODU Blocks are designed for children of all ages -- they are [life-sized building blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squishmallows-x-bldr) that allow kids to construct their own creations. The highlighting element of the MODU Blocks are their functionality and stimulation of motor development and physical activity. The blocks are made from [tactile foam materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bath-toy-collection) so they still have some soft elements to them and also come with [pins and wheels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tile-town). The play experience the toy delivers is highly versatile, with the ability to transform into many structural formations. Some of the MODU pieces that can be made include a roller, stepping stones, a floor surfer and a wagon. The building blocks prove to have longevity with a high level of functionality and versatility. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Life-sized Building Blocks:** An emerging trend in the toy industry, life-sized building blocks offer children a hands-on and immersive play experience that enhances motor development and creativity. - **Tactile Foam Materials:** The use of tactile foam materials in toy design presents an innovative opportunity for manufacturers to create safe and soft play experiences for children, promoting physical activity and sensory development. - **Transformable Structures:** The trend of transformable structures in toys allows children to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills by building and reconfiguring various forms and functions with the same set of blocks. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Industry:** The toy industry can capitalize on the trend of life-sized building blocks by incorporating interactivity, sensory elements, and versatile designs into their products, offering children a unique and engaging play experience. - **Foam Manufacturing Industry:** The foam manufacturing industry has the opportunity to create innovative, tactile foam materials specifically designed for children's toys, providing a safe and durable alternative to traditional building blocks. - **Educational Toy Industry:** The educational toy industry can leverage the trend of transformable structures by developing toys that promote cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and creativity in children through hands-on and open-ended play. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Life-Sized Toy Construction Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funphix.md) - [Reconfigurable Modular Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gioco.md) - [Combination Building Block Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnicompatible-wooden-bricks.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) - [Stone-Like Supportive Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stapelstein.md) - [Toy Block-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloc-collection.md) - [Modular Robotics Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-robotics-kit.md) - [NFC-Enabled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-building-blocks.md)