Each day this week, we're looking at play differently
How old is too old to play? What makes a good toy into a great toy, and is the latest technology making us better, or worse, at playing games? We’ll tackle all these questions, and more this week, as we examine the psychology of play. Join us, and rediscover your inner child.
Mr Potato Head vs Play-Doh: Design vs Discovery
The toys you grew up with made you the person you are today. But who made the toys? And where does the perfect toy come from? We examine whether a toy can ever be fun by design, or if the fluke discoveries of toymakers are, in fact, more powerful than any designer. Read Mr Potato Head vs Play-Doh
Should we teach kids to play with litter?
Children are constantly told not to throw litter, but thanks to some imaginative designers the rules could be about to change. City planners all over the world are starting to see litter as a challenge, and one that can be solved with more playful approaches. Read Should we teach kids to play with litter?
What if every toy was educational
In Japan, it’s a familiar concept. While British children enjoy babbling CBeebies Japanese kids sit down to educational characters teaching good manners and even toilet training. But what if every toy could teach? Read What if every toy was educational?
Game therapy: Helping the disabled to play
Be thankful next time you pick up a joypad. For thousands of disabled and colour blind gamers it’s “Game Over” before they can even hit the start button. But now games developers and charities are pulling together to make video games more inclusive. Read Game therapy: Helping the disabled to play
My Magic Wand is not a toy, Chris Barnardo: Age 49 ¾
Since launching last year, Chris Barnardo’s Magic Wand has notched up thousands of sales, although some would say its biggest achievement isn’t commercial, but in rekindling the owner’s sense of play. But, please, don’t call it a toy. Read My Magic Wand is not a toy.
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