Yoto designed the cutest way to get kids off screens

As algorithms and endless feeds increasingly shape children’s technology, the Yoto Mini—the winner of the 2026 Innovation by Design award in Best Design Europe, Middle East, and Africa—is a portable audio player that gives children the freedom to explore stories and music without the distractions of a screen or AI-driven recommendations. The foundation of Yoto’s design is the device’s use of physical cards. The player is priced around $80 and pairs with cards ranging from $5 to $15 each that...