As a parent, we are always faced with a choice about how and when to introduce certain technologies to our children. I know that technology is no longer a skill, but a part of our culture and foundation for any type of work. However, the iPad can either be part of a passive entertainment device or a portal for learning. What I love about the Osmo app is that is allows for traditional analog toys ( that often facilitate tactile play and spatial thinking ) to be activated on the ipad, combining the best of both worlds. From a design perspective, it also opens up a new realm of designer user interfaces, which could really open up a lot of verticals / industries.
From a product marketing perspective and product engineering perspective, it makes me wonder why more app developers don’t take into account sensors and peripheral ports in their product roadmap. This year especially, we will see a huge array of smart objects, IOT (Internet of Things), and contextual devices that enhance user experience and better performances of existing networks.
Think bigger & learn from other discipline areas. Where one person sees a toy, other people see a design solution for a new field that has never been discussed. Innovation is everywhere, you just need to look at it from a different perspective.
aside: Reminds me a of a more open source version of Siftables.
Good vs Better 