GOOD TOY GUIDE
Appy ever after
WITH the increasing crossover between toys and apps - family tablets (Kurio), games made into apps (Logo Billionaire), toys that work on tablets (Appen) and toys that incorporate tablets into them (Mattel’s apptivity range) - the distinction between toys and digital games is becoming less and less defined.
The Good Toy Guide has been watching this trend with interest and is now in the process of expanding its website to include the Good App Guide.
But before it does, let us explore how toy companies can make successful apps and app toys that enhance the play experience and counter the argument against too much tech or screen time.
Head of the new Good App Guide, Lucy Gill, explains: “Merging digital content and physical toys requires thought and understanding of play patterns.
“It is really worth taking time to observe and understand how children play with apps and your existing toys to inspire you to develop something truly innovative.
“Typical apps tend to encourage children to sit and play alone, but the toy industry has a fantastic opportunity to provide engaging app/digital toys that move away from this.
“What we’d love to see are app toys that encourage children to play with others where the digital content adds real value in a way the physical toy alone could not do.”
1. Design toys that make the most of the strengths of both physical toys and digital content – i.e. the depth of information and interactivity available within apps.
2. Try to make digital content and apps fun and engaging without being addictive. A natural end point is a good thing to build in to help limit screen time.
3. Ensure the digital content or app is usable and age appropriate. Check that children of the target age are
capable of using it and understand what they are meant to do. Don’t rely on written instructions for children who can’t yet read.
CONTACT THE GOOD TOY GUIDE: Twitter: @goodtoyguide Facebook: GoodToyGuide Email:
admin@goodtoyguide.com
www.goodtoyguide.com
22 March
www.toynewsonline.biz
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
This month Dr Amanda Gummer explores the values of children’s app play and introduces us to Lucy Gill, head of the new Good App Guide, before ToyNews looks at the latest app toys on page 64
TOP TIPS FOR THE DIGITAL MOVE
THE GOOD TOY TEAM’S HEAD OF GOOD APP GUIDE, LUCY GILL OFFERS HER TOP THREE TIPS FOR TOY COMPANIES MOVING INTO DIGITAL CONTENT AND APP TOYS
In a previous article on games and puzzles, we explored the valuable physical, cognitive and social skills children can learn from these toys.
It is important that apps don’t fall into the trap of just adding a gimmick factor to these.
However, with the right concept, the depth of information, interactivity and graphics that a tablet can offer could provide real opportunities for engaging learning for children of all ages.
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