# Screenless Smart Toy Designs The Kiri Toy is Montessori-Inspired, Educational, and Future-Forward By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-11-20 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-toy-design References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kiritoys/kiri-hands-on-language-learning-math-and-skills-for-kids?ref=user_menu) & [kiritoys](https://kiritoys.com/) When it comes to smart toy design, it doesn't get any better than Kiri. The product strikes a perfect balance of educational technology and playtime, all the while not overstimulating children with an overbearing and distraction-heavy screen. The toy is Montessori-powered and [screen-free](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nodi-flip). It boasts the capability of teaching children languages — including English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, STEM, and more. The toy relies on "sound, touch, and repetition." Thus, it develops the [sensory intake](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/my-first-tonies) of children who interact with it and in addition, the design is valuable for those undergoing speech therapy. Kiri was made available through a [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinoo-magic-wand) campaign that quickly hit its goal — a testimony to the need for screenless smart toy designs that are playful but also boast educational values. Image Credit: Kickstarter ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Screenless Smart Toy Designs:** Opportunity for creating smart toys that strike a balance between education and playtime without relying on screens. - **Montessori-inspired Toys:** Opportunity for designing toys that incorporate Montessori principles to enhance children's learning experiences through sound, touch, and repetition. - **Language Learning Toys:** Opportunity for developing toys that teach children languages like English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese through interactive and sensory-based activities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Educational Toy Industry:** Opportunity for companies to create innovative toys that promote learning while minimizing screen usage and maximizing interactivity. - **Speech Therapy Industry:** Opportunity for integrating Montessori-inspired toys, like Kiri, into speech therapy sessions to enhance sensory intake and improve communication skills. - **STEM Education Industry:** Opportunity for incorporating screenless smart toys, such as Kiri, into STEM education curricula to engage children in hands-on learning experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Enhanced STEM Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidx-classbox.md) - [Child-Friendly Voice Messengers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karri.md) - [Screenless Learning Wands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinoo-magic-wand.md) - [Toddler Off-Screen Audio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ms-rachel-tonie.md) - [Screen-Free Play Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fabli.md) - [Screen-Free Toy-Like Child Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miku-kids-phone.md) - [Screen-Free Audio Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qubitunes.md) - [Interactive Educational Toy Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-toy-line.md) - [Creative STEM-Based Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitterygit.md)