Playful Pioneers: Children As Innovators At Fisher-Price’s Toy Testing Lab

By Martin B

At Fisher-Price’s Play Lab, there is a special group of experts who hold the most important opinions when it comes to toys: kids themselves. Recognizing the innate wisdom and creativity that children possess, Fisher-Price has taken a unique approach by involving young minds in the toy development process.

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The Play Lab is a dynamic space where children are encouraged to play, explore, and provide valuable feedback on the toys being developed. These pint-sized experts, ranging from infants to preschoolers, are given the opportunity to test prototypes, offer their insights, and shape the future of Fisher-Price’s product line.

By engaging with kids directly, Fisher-Price gains invaluable firsthand knowledge about what captures their imaginations, stimulates their senses, and promotes learning and development. The company understands that the best toys are not only fun but also contribute to a child’s growth and early education. The Play Lab ensures that each toy is thoroughly evaluated to meet these criteria.

In the Play Lab, children engage in play sessions designed to elicit their genuine reactions. They interact with toys, experiment with different features, and express their preferences. Observers closely watch and record their responses, allowing the team at Fisher-Price to refine and enhance the toys based on the valuable feedback received.

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This child-centered approach is grounded in the belief that kids are the true experts when it comes to play. Fisher-Price recognizes that children’s perspectives and needs should be at the forefront of the toy design process. By involving kids in the Play Lab, the company ensures that its toys are not only entertaining but also engaging and beneficial for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.