pltprincess | technology

Toca Boca, a Swedish app creation studio, plays in the space where things are just plain fun.  Their apps are wonderfully whimsical little vignettes of life’s interactions from a child’s perspective. They encourage kids to actively use their imagination and share the fun with those around them - be they parents, pets and friends or dolls and teddy bears.  These digital toys, unlike games, have no set rules and are meant to be played with in any way with only the imagination of those enjoying it to set any kind boundaries.

We own and absolutely adore every single one of their products. No matter where we are - home, car, restaurant, friend’s house - we’re having a tea party or styling hair or driving a helicopter. And with no timers, no points, and no pressure, there is just good old fashioned play, carefree camaraderie and a whole lot of smiles!

Particularly fascinating to me is the fact that each of these well thought out apps seem to have some  magical transformative power the somehow makes the digital nature of the hardware recede leaving the device a particularly unobtrusive part of the playful experience. I know that in every Toca Tea Party we host, knocking over a glass of liquid and wiping it up or refilling a cup on the iPad just doesn’t feel like a flat 2D experience.  We are each - grownup and child alike - delighted every time.

 
I would say that the six guidelines that drive the creativity at Toca Boca:

    1. A balance between the different needs that kids have
    2. We think it is important to play … but not just games
    3. Products that allow you and your kids to play together
    4. A positive view on technology
    5. A safe digital environment for your kids
    6. You will like our products, but your kids will love them

combine to make the perfect recipe for success and ensures this gorgeous set of apps is truly designed for delight!

When you combine a grandmother who is picky about what the little one accesses electronically with a 3-year old who is technology savvy and knows her own mind,  you quickly find that some method is needed for finding just the right apps to put on the family iOS devices. Ones that satisfy everyone’s criteria. Here’s how we do it in my household:

1. Bouncer at the Door - Just like any hip & happening urban night club, you’ve got to line up and pass the basic questions.  For us, I am the bouncer and here are my make it or beat it questions.  A ‘yes’ to each is required to proceed.

    > Is it a positive experience?
    > Is it fun, engaging and/or educational?
    > Is it interactive?
    > Is it ‘low fail’ or ‘no fail’?
    > Can it be used by non-readers?


2. Initial Awe Factor - I like to test out initial reaction to apps under the worst possible conditions, so I save the introduction of a new app for times like:

    > the waiting room at the car dealership
    > the after work/daycare grocery shopping run, or
    > the moment the child crosses over into cranky at a restaurant

If the app captures her attention and quiet, rapt attention ensues, it definitely gets a positive score!  I also take note of the length of time it keeps the little one engaged - the longer the time, the more likely it is to be a keeper.  Anything over 10 minutes moves onto the next round.

3. Autonomous Choice - This one is all about the child’s choice. With a little one whose skills allow her to wield her iPhone 3Gs without any adult guidance (or as she feels - interference), it’s all about what she uses most and what she selects only occasionally or ignores all together.

Since we commute together morning and night, this generally means whatever theme songs I hum at my desk or whichever apps I know the words to because the repetition of the apps she chooses actually embed (or dare I say burn?!) certain audio tracks of itself into my brain subliminally.



AND THERE YOU HAVE IT.  A recipe for picking the best of the best for you and your little one. As with any good recipe, please feel free to modify to taste!