Tag Archives: art

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

There is a quiet shift happening in the world of toys. Away from noisy plastics and fixed instructions, and towards objects that invite imagination, patience and pride of place. The TRIDO Laguna range sits firmly in that space, and it is easy to see why it is gaining so much attention.

Created by TRIDO, Laguna is a premium magnetic construction set designed not around winning or finishing, but around thinking, building and displaying. It is less about knock-it-down play and more about creating something worth keeping on the shelf.

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play
Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

Built for Expression, Not Instructions

At the heart of every Laguna set are TRIDO’s distinctive geometric forms. Octahedrons, tetrahedrons and half-tetrahedrons, each engineered to connect on every side. Strong internal magnets mean pieces snap together effortlessly, giving complete freedom to explore form, balance and symmetry without frustration.

There are no instructions to follow and no final model to replicate. Instead, children are encouraged to experiment, rebuild and refine. It turns play into a creative process rather than a task, which is a refreshing change from many construction toys that funnel children towards a single outcome.

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play
Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

A Toy That Feels at Home in Grown-Up Spaces

One of the standout aspects of the Laguna range is its visual design. The calm, modern colourway feels deliberate and considered, making it something that happily lives in a family space rather than being hidden away in a toy box.

This is a magnetic construction toy that invites display. Finished builds feel sculptural, and with the included magnetic eyes, creations can become expressive characters as well as abstract forms. It blurs the line between toy, art object and learning tool in a way that feels genuinely thoughtful.

Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play
Why This Minimalist Magnetic Toy Is Taking Over Creative Play

Open-Ended Play With Real Benefits

Laguna is designed for children aged three and up, and the benefits go well beyond entertainment. Open-ended play supports imagination, confidence and problem-solving, while naturally introducing early STEM concepts such as geometry and spatial awareness.

Fine motor skills are developed through precise placement and balance, and the lack of rules makes it equally suitable for independent play or collaborative family sessions. It is also completely screen free, which feels increasingly important in modern homes.

All pieces are made from durable, non-toxic ABS plastic with smooth, rounded edges, designed to last through years of use without losing their appeal.

Three Sizes to Grow With Your Creativity

The Laguna range is available in three sizes, making it easy to choose a set that fits both budget and ambition.

Laguna Small
A compact introduction to TRIDO, ideal for younger children, travel or gift giving.
12 pieces. £44.90

Laguna Medium
More pieces allow for more complex designs, characters and storytelling.
24 pieces. £79.90

Laguna Large
The most expansive set, perfect for collaborative play, classrooms or long creative sessions.
34 pieces. £129.00

Each size builds on the same core idea, meaning sets can be combined as creativity grows.

More Than a Magnetic Construction Set

TRIDO Laguna shows that magnetic construction toys do not have to be about speed or destruction. By focusing on art, imagination and thoughtful design, it creates something that grows with the child and continues to feel relevant well beyond the early years.

Laguna Small, Medium and Large are available now from trido.uk. For families looking for a toy that encourages creativity without noise or screens, this minimalist magnetic set makes a very strong case for itself.

A Futuristic Fusion of Art and AI: Ai-Da Robot Joins the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

It’s that time of the year again when the spirit of Christmas mingles with the thrill of scientific exploration. The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, a cornerstone of British festive tradition since their first broadcast in 1936, are set to make history this year. In an unprecedented move, the lectures will feature Ai-Da Robot, the world’s first ultra-realistic robot artist, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of art and artificial intelligence.

This year’s lectures, titled “The Truth About AI,” are poised to demystify the often complex and misunderstood world of artificial intelligence. Joining Mike Wooldridge, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Oxford University, Ai-Da Robot will not only contribute to the conversation but also demonstrate her unique artistic abilities. The lectures promise a rare glimpse into how groundbreaking AI technology operates, with Ai-Da set to reveal a painting of Professor Wooldridge at the lecture’s conclusion.

Ai-Da’s participation is not just a novelty; it’s a testament to the evolving capabilities of AI in creative fields. Her presence continues the legacy of esteemed scientists like Sir David Attenborough and Richard Dawkins, who have graced the Christmas Lectures in the past. However, Ai-Da brings a new dimension, blending the lines between human creativity and machine intelligence.

The 2023 Christmas Lectures will be broadcast on the BBC, offering viewers a chance to partake in this extraordinary blend of science, art, and festive cheer. Ai-Da’s role in these lectures is not just as a performer but as an educator, aiming to inspire the next generation at the intersection of technology and art.

The inclusion of Ai-Da Robot in the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures is more than just a technological showcase; it’s a meaningful exploration of AI’s role in our society and its potential to influence various aspects of our lives, from art to more technical realms. It’s a reminder that the future of AI is not just about algorithms and data, but also about creativity, empathy, and understanding.

This year the lectures are being live-streamed at a variety of locations around the UK

You can watch the Christmas lectures in the UK on BBC4 at 8pm on 26th, 27th and 28th December 2023. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.