The Future of Toys.....?

The future of toys is a hotly debated and controversial issue, an interesting viewpoint was put forward by Mitchel Resnick of the MIT Media Lab, who on viewing the hit Disney Pixar movie 'Toy Story' came to the interesting conclusion that the 'villain' Sid actually learned more from his toys than Andy. Whereas Andy has a bedroom of well used toys which are used as they were designed to be, Sid turns all his toys into horrifying hybrids, like a spider with a dolls head and robot legs, he is learning more by taking his toys apart and creating new designs. Mitchel also argued that with most toys a large amount of inventing goes into them, but it is these inventors who are doing all learning and probably having the most fun in the process, the children who receive these toys have little to learn from them within the limits of the design and purpose. 

You can also argue that even with today's customisable toys, Lego being a prime example, the limits of the design are 'holding back' customisation, for example, the most of the models (or the really popular ones) seem to revolve around a theme, like 'Star Wars', therefore limiting customisation (either through the limiting uses of the actual pieces, or the 'negative' perception of actually altering a model to make something different). Maybe in itself this is no bad thing, having 'boundaries' and 'rules' (whether written down or perceived) creates a safe environment, is a 'no-limit' situation such a good idea? Such a better way for children to learn? 

While we are sure toys have a great future, and we're sure there will be plenty of surprises around the corner, it seems the greatest 'fun' and 'innovation' will come from non-licensed products in the short term, but even then the actual design will limit a true learning experience.

Created: August 5, 2008