The Innovative Edge: How Small & Medium Toy Manufacturers Can Reinvent the Toy Box with Outsider Genius
BY LEE ALLENTUCK
Welcome to the bold and inventive realm of small and medium-sized toy manufacturers, where true innovation sparks away from the spotlight of industry giants. In the thrilling intersection of imagination and reality, the toy and game sector emerges as a creative haven not only for children but also for visionaries and pioneers. While often in the shadow of larger brands, small and medium-sized firms possess a distinct advantage in this dynamic marketplace. By tapping into a network of seasoned inventors, engineers, and designers, these agile businesses can transform their modest size into their biggest asset. This article is more than a read; it’s a call to a revolution in the toy and game industry.
Speed to Development: The Agile Advantage
In the fast-paced world of toy and game development, small and medium manufacturers have the upper hand with their agility, unburdened by the cumbersome bureaucracies typical of larger companies. Collaboration with external experts enables these firms to quickly evolve ideas into tangible prototypes. This nimbleness is reminiscent of the 1980s, when iconic toys, often developed by smaller companies, swiftly captured the market. Today, with accessible low-cost 3D printing and remote collaboration tools, these smaller entities can rival big toy companies in efficiency and innovation. Overnight prototyping and concept testing are now realities within reach.
Limiting Overhead and Development Costs: A Strategic Ninja-Like Approach
One significant challenge for manufacturers, particularly smaller ones, is cost management. Unlike their larger counterparts, submerged in expenses, smaller firms can adeptly cut through overhead costs, employing external talent strategically and judiciously. This approach is not merely smart; it’s a matter of survival. Take the Rubik’s Cube, for instance: a global sensation birthed without the need for a vast internal development team.
Read the rest of Lee’s article here.
About Lee Allentuck
Lee Allentuck, the founder of The Plan A Group, stands at the forefront of the toy and game industry with 20 years of trailblazing experience. He was nominated for the MojoNation 100 Most Influential Figures in Toy & Game Design underscores his impactful presence in the industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Lee is a fervent advocate for STEM education,
inspiring future innovators as a FIRST robotics coach and through his influential Raising Nerd parenting blog.
