Disney Creativity Studio
© 2012 Disney
In the beginning, drawing was a simple process -- find some paper, pick up crayon or a pencil and get started. Unfortunately the Disney Creativity Studio, which consists of both an app and a $50 stylus, forgets how important simplicity is in the drawing and erasing process. Note that the app is free with the purchase of the stylus (a download code is included in the package). The app alone costs $3.99. The stylus is the size of a fat marker and it houses a AA battery. If you hold down a toggle switch for a few seconds, an LED turns on with a chirp, signaling that the stylus is on. A drawing mode-changing button is hidden under the black rubber eraser; a secret that is well hidden until you read the instructions. After we determined that the batteries were fresh and that we were indeed looking at a production model, we tried the app/stylus with a variety of children. Nobody could figure out how to make it work. This is too bad, because the app contains a set of drawing lessons by a Disney artist, on how to draw (you guessed it) Disney characters. Does the world really need more kids who know how to draw Mickey Mouse? One noteworthy feature -- the eraser is smart -- the faster and longer you erase, the fatter the eraser area becomes. Content includes 30 colors and 45 coloring screens that also include tracing and connecting the dots. Created by eKids/Kid Designs for Disney. The best part about this package is the well-designed zipper carrying case for the stylus. If only the app were designed as well.
$50, iPad
Teaches: art, creativity
CTR Rating: 30%