

Research, Test, Find Our Answer
“Then do it again until we get the right answer!” It is not unusual for companies to use research to validate their opinions. I have lived through that cycle many times. So many times, testing research tells us one thing really well: What's going on right in this moment. That’s not a bad thing if you are launching a product, a video game, or a streaming show in the next few months. But what about a year or two or three from now? How does research help solve that question of


A Cautionary Alert
Ahh, AI, isn’t it great? Or not? We could spend days, if not weeks, debating the pros and cons of AI. At CES this past January, you couldn’t swing your attendee badge without hitting a company touting AI in its product or service. Currently, most of LinkedIn’s job postings require a knowledge of AI. Sounds familiar to past techs’ sizzle machine. I’m not saying AI isn’t real or that it isn't and won't continue to impact our world. The problem is that FOMO seems to take over wh


That's the Idea
Throughout my career, spanning many years, I have been in the business of ideas. That shouldn’t surprise anyone, because as a designer,...


Well....No!
Are you hearing a lot of ‘no’ lately? Boy, I have, and in fact, there has been a flurry of ‘no’ coming from everywhere. Whether it’s from...


Summer Sound
What’s with all the screaming at the pool? Have you noticed that as soon as most kids and some adults who will never admit it jump into...


It's Engagement Season (year-round)
Let’s talk engagement. No, not between you and me, but between children and everything surrounding them. Engage: it seems like a simple...


Ahh, the Season of Play
It’s that Ho, Ho, Ho time of year again. Yup, it happens every year about this time, although it seems like it started well before...


and the winner is...
Ahh, it's that time of the year when the top toy choices for the holidays are announced. Just like clockwork, it's the ritual that...


Adults 1 / Kids 0
Kidults is a term we are hearing a lot about lately. It's all about older people buying, collecting, and playing with products typically...


POLITICS@PLAY
Well, it's the political season in America, and although politics aren't the main thrust of toy companies, a form of politics does work...








































