That compelling sense of touch

In a time when computers are allowing developers to create and sell “toys” that do not exist in three dimensions, what does a traditional toy manufacturer as well as a bricks and mortar retailer have to do to create and market great toys in the 21^st century? That’s the question I asked myself this weekend and here is what I came up with:

At least in part, a traditional toy manufacturer will have to give consumers something that they cannot get on the Internet or their computer:  A toy that strongly stimulates the end user’s sense of touch. 

Great physical products feel good in the hand. They make you want to run your fingers over them and enjoy the physical sensation of smooth, rough, soft, hard, etc. In short, they demand that you touch them.

This means, at least to me, that design and materials will become extremely important as what a product feels like will be a key component in creating three dimensional toys. I think that as a result we will see the inventive use of natural materials like wood and textiles, as well as more developed used of plastics, metal and rubber. 

How are bricks and mortar retailers going to market these products? See my next post.