Smarty pants

THE Kaleidoscope Classic scooped the top prize when The British Science Museum announced Britain's best five educational toys - and there's not a joystick, battery or computer screen in sight.

The Smart Toy Awards were judged
by a panel including psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud and Diane Lees, director of The Museum of Childhood - a part of the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Ashleigh King, of the British Science Museum, says the awards reflect alternatives to heavily advertised toys.

"They are perfect for anyone who wants to put down a games console for 20 minutes and pick up something different," she says.

Mind Challenge, the Nerang-based company behind The Kaleidoscope Classic, is in the process of commercialising the puzzle game in 152 countries.

Mind Challenge CEO Vishal Mehrotra says the award is testament to the product's international standing in the puzzle game genre.

"The Kaleidoscope Classic is a symbol of Australian ingenuity and this award is further validation of its global appeal. We are delighted," he says.

Inventor Frank Dyksterhuis says the award confirms the consumer trend in the toy industry towards hands-on, mind-challenging experiences.

"The Kaleidoscope Classic redefines the puzzles and games because everyone enjoys it," he says.

"Many companies throughout Australia use The Kaleidoscope Classic as a tool for group think, creativity and lateral thinking exercises. It transcends age, gender and culture. We are extremely honoured with this award. It proves that everyone loves hands-on intellectual fun."

The no.1 selling game in Myer in 2004 and winner of the Australia Games Association Puzzle of the Year, The Kaleidoscope Classic is a puzzle game made up of 18 unique, four-coloured pieces. The challenge is to assemble the pieces into a square frame to create thousands of patterns and designs, offering basic to extreme challenges.