TOMY

Interviews with the creators of LEGO Stranger Things, Ritzy Rollers and Boppi, the booty-shaking llama, all make our top ten of 2019.

Fresh from winning the Design Icon Award at this month’s Play Creators Awards, we caught up with Patel to learn more about his approach to design, as well as why he feels the toy space is in a fantastic place when it comes to creativity.

“TOMY is globally recognised as a pioneer of innovative and imaginative toys, and this heritage has led to perhaps the most engaging and charming toy ever,” said Pete Henseler, president of TOMY International.

“We look forward to seeing some really unique, innovative and forward thinking ideas in September and encourage anyone with outstanding ideas that you think would fit within TOMY’s portfolio to come and see us,” said TOMY’s Alpesh Patel.

We caught up So Sound’s TJ Morrison, to learn more about the studio’s evolution into toy design, and how collaboration helps to fuel the team’s creativity.

We caught up with TOMY’s senior concept and design manager, Chris Huisman, to learn more about the design process behind Ritzy Rollerz, and why “the sky’s the limit” when it comes to the brand’s future.

We caught up with TOMY’s head of R&D to discuss his design journey in the toy space, the creative culture at TOMY and how he assesses creativity in the industry.

Firms are among those looking to meet with designers at the event, taking place this September as part of the inaugural Play Creators Festival.

Market intelligence firm Tractica has unveiled its latest report into the future of consumer robotics, with toys cited as a key driver for the sector over the next five years.