Our study employs four IoToys: Hatchimals, CogniToys Dino, Fisher-Price’s Smart Toy Bear, and Wonder Workshop’s Dash Robot. When considering the IoToys, learning is expected to happen in play through physical and digital manipulation of the toys’ affordances. Smart environments, such as educational environments, when combined with networked wireless toys interacting with each other, computers, mobile phones, smart objects, and online communities, offer opportunities for unique entertainment and learning experiences (Collins et al., 2010). This study explores the relation between preschool children and smart, connected toys, which show educational promises regarding the Internet of Toys (IoToys). By doing so, it contributes to the discipline of (toy) design by offering food for thought both for future design work and further toy research. By investigating the multilayered phenomenon, the study at hand opens up novel views on adult toy play practices. It makes an attempt to understand how adults approach, bond with and actively interact with toys. The thesis takes the reader on a journey through the multidisciplinary playgrounds of adult toy play and seeks a deeper understanding of the multidimensional phenomenon of adult play that happens with contemporary toys. Adult relationships with toys that manifest both materially and digitally are examined from the perspectives of art, toy design and productive play through three topics: toys, their industry and designers (wow), play, performers and playgrounds (flow), toy player profiles and play practices (glow). The thesis is connected to larger developments not only in material and visual culture, but also in social media and digital play culture. The study examines how interest towards toys turns into playful and productive activities at adult age, through actual manipulation of three types of contemporary playthings: dolls, soft toys and action figures. It suggests that in the time of the ludic turn as discussed by Brian Sutton-Smith, adults are showing increased enthusiasm towards toys. This thesis provides new ways of approaching adult play.
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