Having encountered “Not Invented Here Syndrome” throughout a career in inventor relations, TinkerTini’s Trina McFarland digs under the surface of this decision-making process; unpicking the complex set of emotions and behaviour behind it

Aimed at students on product design and illustration courses, recent graduates and those new to the toy industry, the Mojo Nation Academy will be a brand new addition to the Mojo Nation website.

Inventing toys of every kind, Louise White is the President and Head Designer of Me First! Designs. We spoke with Louise to hear where ideas come from, and what advice she’d give clients, new designers and her younger self.

“TOMY are once again delighted to be joining in this year’s amazing Mojo Pitch event to find the best of innovation for our toys and games portfolio,” said Alpesh Patel, VP of Global Toy Design, TOMY.

“The opportunity to acquire exclusive ownership of Cozmo, Vector, and Overdrive fit perfectly into our mission and purpose driven culture,” said Matt Goren, Chief Marketing Officer at Digital Dream Labs.

New line-up includes games from designers including Ken Gruhl, Bruno Faidutti and Brett J. Gilbert.

‘Each of our games will be built upon the foundation of these values: eco and environmentally friendly, inclusive for all gamers, and aesthetically and mechanically beautiful,’ read a statement from the team.

“Creating a more sustainable world is important to our team, our company and our consumers, and our first construction line derived from bio-based plastics is an example of this,” said MEGA SVP Bisma Ansari.

Initial DOTS lines include wearable bracelets and room décor items like photo cubes, picture frames and pencil holders.

“2019 was one of the more complicated years to get a good read on toy industry health,” said Juli Lennett, vice president and industry advisor, Toys, The NPD Group.