Hasbro is attempting to create a whole new generation of Trekkies with the recently announced Star Trek Mr. Potato Head. I'll give all you fanboys and girls a moment to let that information sink in.
The first characters to get the Mr. Potato Head treatment will be Captain Kirk and his Klingon nemesis Kor. Sequel sets containing more characters will be released later with Spock and Lt. Uhura already confirmed. Despite my general apathy towards Star Trek, I still love this move. The Star Trek Mr. Potato Head will help grown geeks connect with their kids like never before.
Trekkie Toddler Toys
The Star Trek Mr. Potato Head Brings Geeky Families Together
Trend Themes
1. Geeky Toys - The trend of creating geeky versions of traditional toys presents disruptive innovation opportunities for toy manufacturers to tap into specific fan bases and create nostalgic connections.
2. Generational Connections - The trend of creating products that bridge the generation gap, like the Star Trek Mr. Potato Head, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to target both parents and children with nostalgic experiences.
3. Cross-branded Collaborations - The trend of cross-branding popular franchises, like Star Trek and Mr. Potato Head, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for companies to reach new markets and tap into existing fan bases.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - The toy manufacturing industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by creating more geeky versions of traditional toys to appeal to fan bases and connect with parents and children.
2. Entertainment Merchandise - The entertainment merchandise industry can benefit from disruptive innovation opportunities by developing cross-branded collaborations between popular franchises to attract more consumers and expand their market reach.
3. Parenting and Family - The parenting and family industry can leverage disruptive innovation opportunities by offering products that bridge the generation gap and encourage connections between parents and children through shared experiences.