Lego has introduced innovative “smart bricks” designed to enhance traditional toys by incorporating lights, sound, and interactive features. However, an expert in early childhood education suggests that this advancement may diminish the open-ended imaginative play that has historically characterized Lego toys and contributed to children’s development.
The Danish toy company revealed its new Smart Play system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, showcasing bricks and minifigures equipped with electronic components like miniature speakers and sensors, enabling the toys to react to movement and sound. For instance, a new Star Wars set includes pieces that produce lightsaber and engine noises, while a Lego helicopter generates whooshing sounds when manipulated.
According to a news release from Lego, the innovative products are crafted to ignite children’s creativity and deliver an interactive play experience focused on exploration and imaginative storytelling. Early Lego sets, like the basic building blocks that allowed endless construction possibilities, excelled in fostering imaginative play by granting children the freedom to build anything they desired.
Mariana Brussoni, a professor at the University of British Columbia and director of the Human Early Learning Partnership, highlights that modern Lego kits with predetermined designs can restrict imaginative potential, thereby reducing their effectiveness as developmental tools. She expresses concerns that the latest smart products could impose similar limitations, potentially hindering children’s imaginative play by providing predefined sounds and movements.
Dr. Jillian Roberts, a professor at the University of Victoria specializing in educational psychology, views any initiative that steers children away from screens and promotes interactive play positively. She emphasizes the importance of encouraging real-life interactions and creative building activities. However, she cautions that children with sensory issues, such as those with autism spectrum disorder or photosensitive epilepsy, may not find these toys suitable due to their sensory inputs.
The new smart toys are scheduled for release on March 1, with pre-orders commencing this Friday, as per Lego’s website. Notably, these advanced Lego sets come at a premium price point, with a Darth Vader-themed set priced at $69.99 US (approximately $97) and another set featuring Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia priced at $89.99 US (just over $124).