Robot revolution in the playroom?

Catching voices: spiel gut members have their say

By Sibylle Dorndorf

Nothing is as constant as change. This also applies to toys. In a survey of some of the members of the working committee spiel gut e.V., new aspects - and challenges - crystallised in the assessment that underline the change that toys have undergone in the past decades.  

Ingetraud Palm-Walter, educator, specialist in organisation and management, spiel gut member since 1989, member and spokeswoman of the board and head of the office since 1996:

With good toys, children's play takes on new facets. It's fascinating when designers develop toys further or create accessories and extensions that give the toy new ways to play. This keeps it interesting for children for a long time.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Dr Diana Geißler, graduate biologist, spiel gut member since 2011, member of the board since 2017, member of the office since 2019:

Electronic toys are finding their way into children's rooms earlier and earlier. This cannot be seen as fundamentally bad or harmful for children's development, as each toy promotes different areas, such as motor skills, sensory skills and attention. It is important – as with any type of toy, but especially in this case – that parents consciously offer electronic toys and accompany their children while they play.

Richard Geißler, chip developer, spiel gut member since 2011: 

The topic of robotics, which covers a wide range of aspects such as sensors, actuators, mechanical construction and programming, has found its way into the world of toys. A good toy in this area should provide sufficient guidance to ensure a sense of achievement, convey the basics and arouse curiosity for in-house developments.

Dr René Michels, radiologist, medical IT specialist, quality and risk manager, spiel gut member since 2011, tester since 2008, spiel gut board member since 2022:

Gaming doesn't stop at the age of 14. It evolves and becomes more complex, and we see that in toys too. For example, the development from simple kites to stunt kites to remote-controlled aeroplanes. In this day and age, a form of digitalisation is playing an increasingly important role in keeping toys attractive.

Regina Witte, nursery school teacher and childcare centre manager, a spiel gut member and member of the board since 1986:

Even young children come into contact with different play materials thanks to the various forms of childcare available today, which would probably not be the case in a traditional family setting. Children learn how to use them earlier, which can have an impact on the age rating of certain toys.

Norman Kurock, social pedagogue, the spiel gut expert on board games:

Board games have evolved a lot. A wealth of themes and mechanisms is accompanied by great materials and new rule concepts.

Margit Döring, secondary school teacher, and Wolfgang Döring, graduate biologist, spiel gut members since 1989:

When we evaluate toys, the aspect of sustainability always plays a role. The toy should have a high play value and of course be durable. It should be possible to recycle as many materials as possible.

Read more about the 70 years anniversary of spiel gut.