ICAT Playdate — ToySphere

What if your forgotten and disused toys could live again in virtual reality? ​Could that help you let go and pass them on?​

Many families hold on to toys that are no longer used—left untouched in closets, drawers, or boxes. This common behavior, known as product hibernation, limits opportunities for reuse and sharing—key practices in a circular economy. Over time, these toys can become obsolete and eventually end up discarded. In homes with children, this is especially common: toys are quickly outgrown, yet often kept due to emotional attachments—memories, regret, or even a sense that the toy has a personality of its own. So, how might we support sharing, while these toys still hold value?

ToySphere is an interactive platform developed by our interdisciplinary team to explore this challenge. We’ve 3D scanned 33 disused toys and reimagined them as digital replicas in a virtual environment—each with its own story and character. By reconnecting with these virtual versions, we examine how digital preservation can sustain emotional attachment while also helping people make more timely decisions about sharing—before toys lose their relevance or value.