Lego has introduced innovative “smart bricks” that aim to enhance its traditional toys through light, sound, and interactive capabilities. However, an expert in early childhood development suggests that this advancement may diminish the open-ended imaginative play that has long been a hallmark of Lego’s appeal to children.
The renowned Danish toymaker revealed its latest Smart Play system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The system incorporates bricks and minifigures equipped with electronic components such as miniature speakers and sensors, enabling the toys to react to motion and sound. For instance, a newly introduced set inspired by “Star Wars” features pieces that emit lightsaber and engine sounds, while a Lego helicopter produces swooshing noises when in motion or rotation.
According to a news release from the company, the new products are crafted to spark children’s creativity and provide an interactive play experience rich in exploration and imaginative storytelling. In contrast, previous Lego toys, like the loose bricks that allowed for endless building possibilities, were lauded for fostering imaginative play by granting children the freedom to construct as they pleased, notes Mariana Brussoni, a professor at the University of British Columbia and director of the Human Early Learning Partnership.
Brussoni suggests that the modern Lego sets with predetermined designs may restrict imaginative potential and hinder their effectiveness as developmental tools. She expresses concerns that the latest products might impose similar limitations, remarking that the inclusion of specific sounds in the toys could steer children away from exploring diverse play scenarios beyond what the toys represent.
Dr. Jillian Roberts, an educational psychology professor at the University of Victoria, views any initiative that diverts kids from screens and encourages social interaction positively. She believes that if Lego can create products that promote hands-on play and interpersonal engagement, it could benefit children by fostering real-life interactions. However, she cautions that the toys may not be suitable for children with sensory sensitivities, like those with autism spectrum disorder or photosensitive epilepsy, urging parents to consider their child’s ability to handle the sensory stimuli from the toys.
The upcoming toys are slated for release on March 1, with pre-orders commencing this Friday, as per Lego’s website. Despite the exciting features, they 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 at $89.99 US (just over $124).
