Doug Benz for The New York Times
Deborah Weber watched Henry Watroba, 9 months old, check out the Laugh & Learn Apptivity Monkey, which uses an iPhone in its belly.
By NICOLE LaPORTE
Published: July 7, 2012
AN iPad case that doubles as a teething toy? Yes, such a product exists. It’s known as the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case (also available for iPods and iPhones) and it sells for $35.
Doug Benz for The New York Times
In a Fisher-Price lab, employees observe children at play to come up with concepts for new products — including toys that incorporate apps on iPads and iPhones.
It’s well known that children are quick to learn new technology. But 6-month-olds? How did the idea arise for a toy that allows its user to gnaw on its brightly colored handles and drool on its protective screen, while also manipulating apps for counting and singing?
At Fisher-Price, such products result from a process known as spelunking, which in its literal sense means to explore caves. But in the realm of toy making, it refers to the simple act of watching children play.
A similar process is alive and well at other companies, like LeapFrog, maker of the LeapPad, a touchscreen tablet for children as young as 3; and at Hasbro and Crayola, which have partnered with digital media companies to create apps for very young children.
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