Play Journal/ London Toy Fair & BETT and Play

The purpose of this journal series is to delve into various aspects of play in everyday life and observe its existence. I'll be sharing my personal journey and daily questions that make me wonder:) Enjoy!

Day3; London Toy Fair & BETT and Play

30.01.24

It's been a week since I last wrote about Play, and I'm feeling a bit guilty. However, I've been deeply immersed in various aspects of Play during this time, so perhaps that counts as a valid excuse.

?The past week revolved around exploring the multifaceted dimensions of play. It all kicked off with a podcast on playful thinking and its application in the workspace. Then, I embarked on my 23rd Toy Fair adventure. This event always manages to reconnect me with the roots of my passion. My journey with Toy Fairs began at NY Toy Fair with the Toy Design Program at FIT, where Judy Ellis emphasized the significance of understanding different categories, making a good impression, and maintaining our childlike enthusiasm.

?Reflecting on my first Toy Education experiences, I vividly recall the excitement of visiting FAO and the impactful speech by the Leapfrog CEO about their interactive Globe. Those early moments shaped my perspective on the importance of providing children with interactive toys to nurture curiosity and excitement.

?My turning point came at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2005, a pivotal event that eventually led me to live in London and work at Hasbro. The transformation of the industry paralleled the transformation in my own life, fostering the professional child within me.

?Exploring different toy categories, identifying common patterns, and understanding how each category complements the others became a fascinating exercise. From industry giants to smaller companies, the intricate world of toys unfolded before me at events like the London Toy Fair and the even more extensive Nuremberg Toy Fair.

?This year, a noticeable change caught my eye at the Toy Fair—two giants showed transparency in their stands, a departure from the usual castle walls of confidentiality. While I appreciate the need for secrecy, a bit of showcasing would benefit not just sales but also those contributing to the world of play—designers, inventors, marketers, and thought leaders. I hope for a more collaborative Toy Industry, akin to the Education Fair. This hope arises from my desire to see a collective effort in designing playful products.

?Turning attention to this year's standout themes and companies, Playmobil holds a special place in my journey. The detail-oriented accessories and playsets, especially those reflecting daily life, caught my attention. The biodiversity and gardening sets, with their amazing accessories, are particularly noteworthy.

Lego, dominated by the Star Wars theme, intrigued me with its new collaboration with Asmodee for a playful board game called the Monkey Palace.

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The question of gender-inclusive toys and improvements in the design process lingered in my mind. Some preschool toys seemed to lean towards an Instagramable style, raising concerns about their impact on children's development.

?Sensory toys, fulfilling our natural need for tactile experiences, presented a diverse array of options. In addition, I explored mini building blocks like Plus Plus, featuring a versatile play pattern that spans generations.

Marble Maze Construction Sets, ranging from early years to adult enthusiasts (kidults), were prominent at the fair. A standout for me was Gravitrax by Ravensburger particularly their delightful preschool set, showcasing both the quality of materials and an exciting new product line.

Shifting to games, there's a notable emphasis on leveraging tactility and kinesthetic play patterns. Among them, Pac-Man Quoridor by Hachette Boardgames captured my attention with its exceptional design, well-thought-out elements, and engaging gameplay.

Amid my FOMO for missing the Nuremberg Toy Fair, I found joy in the posts from my toy industry friends, showcasing new materials and applications.

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Having also attended the BETT Show, the proximity to Toy Fairs allowed me to observe the convergence of education, learning, and play. Playfulness emerged as a theme in education, exemplified by Lego Education's longstanding commitment. I had the privilege of experiencing one of their workshops, witnessing teachers from Year 6 curious about integrating play pedagogy into their classes.

?As I contemplate the impact of play in learning, I wonder how the toy industry can be more influential. Questions about AI, STEAM, MESH, gender gaps, design philosophy, research, and understanding play patterns loom in my mind. The journey continues, filled with curiosity and a commitment to exploring the transformative power of play.

Have a Playful Day!!!!