How connectivity affects otherwise traditional toys? A functional analysis of Hello Barbie

Abstract

The current smart toy research has not fully acknowledged the existing research on traditional toys. Instead, the focus has been on the digital layer of smart toys. This study contributes to bridging the gap between traditional and smart toy research by applying the analytical model known as the functional manipulation potential of toys (FMP) to identify if and how smart features such as connectivity affect otherwise traditional toys. Based on purposeful sampling of informant-rich cases, this study uses FMP to analytically compare the digitally enhanced Hello Barbie doll to a traditional Barbie. The data, analyzed using abductive methods, comprises the tangible dolls and the 8,000 lines of dialogue that Hello Barbie can speak. The results show that connectivity can notably change the FMP of an otherwise traditional toy. These changes took place in two forms: additions and amplifications. Additions mean that Hello Barbie contains functional elements a traditional Barbie does not. Amplifications refer to situations where already existing elements were augmented by the connectivity. Implications for future research are discussed.

Visibility and security in the smart home

“…Because they are networked, smart toys also operate within larger informational fields, enabling interactions and data exchanges beyond the home. Hello Barbie’s smart functionalities of being able to activate a two-way conversation are supported not only by a built in microphone and speaker but also by speech recognition technology and 8000 lines of scripted responses accessed wirelessly through a cloud service (Mertala, 2020). Other playful and nerdy applications are made possible through cloud services such as IFTTT (If This Then That) that integrate home automation devices and other cloud services through applets.…”

“…Indeed, as Berriman and Mascheroni (2019) argue, more than standalone material objects, smart toys operate as part of larger media ecologies that blend toys, media and advertising. Thus, while they may appear to be being played with privately, and even support one-to-one forms of more familiar tangible play (Mertala, 2020), these playful interactions are part of a larger data network or ‘smart home assemblage’ (Maalsen, 2020) in which multiple actors, both human and non-human, are literally at play.…”