Gone are the days when child’s play could be as simple as some blocks and a pile of books. Apps, video games and virtual reality compete for the attention of today’s youth. So what does this mean for those charged with creating playtime at a time when technology has bridged physical play with digital play?

Kids want to be entertained, so for designers, it’s not just about creating objects but rather creating meaningful experiences that define the future of play, against the backdrop of today’s highly competitive toy and entertainment industries. 

Yet the power of play goes beyond entertainment: It can impact the quality of a child’s education, health and personal empowerment. 

So what IS the future of play? And how is the entertainment industry and parents getting to grips with it? Join KPCC’s Early Childhood Education correspondent, Deepa Fernandes as she explores this question on Thursday, December 8 with a panel of special guests.

Featuring:

Johanna Stein, Director, Global Foresights and Co-Creation Tools, at Mattel, the recognized leader in play, learning and development worldwide. Stein leads a team devoted to monitoring the changing consumer landscape, including external industries, core demographic groups, technology adoption and impact, emerging cultural conversation and developing businesses.

Currently a lead interaction designer at Disney Interactive Labs, Kurtis Schureman develops next-generation products that extend Disney’s stories and characters across all digital platforms and devices. He is also owner and design director of Caveman Crayon Design Studio, providing design services to people looking for a fresh approach to the way they interact with art and design.

Specializing in creative industries, product development and licensing, Krystina Castella is author of Kidmania: 50 Things Every Designer Should Know About Kids, a fun and playful sourcebook filled with quick bites of information in psychological, cultural, cognitive, physiological and practical considerations in designing for children.

Fast Forward: Designing the Future—a new series co-presented by KPCC In Person and ArtCenter College of Design—examines the intersection of technology, design and the human experience. Showcasing Southern California as a hub of innovation, we’ll explore how the interaction between humans and the world will be reshaped as products and experiences continue to impact our day-to-day lives in the not-too-distant future.


Future of Play Image: “Autolympia” ©2016 Jeremy D’Ambrosia, Harmonie Tsai, Jack T. Xu