While many tools like Lego Mindstorm exist to enable kids to create robots and bring their creations to life these tools are still somewhat complex for younger age groups. Link Lab allows young children to use their imagination and discover robotics. It removes all programing from the process, using simple mechanical input to control the electrical components. While most technical skills are simplified, this project will still allow kids to both think in 3d and consider movement in while building.

While many tools like Lego Mindstorm exist to enable kids to create robots and bring their creations to life these tools are still somewhat complex for younger age groups. Link Lab allows young children to use their imagination and discover robotics. It removes all programing from the process, using simple mechanical input to control the electrical components. While most technical skills are simplified, this project will still allow kids to both think in 3d and consider movement in while building.

Project goals

Gabe

What we Learned From Eliot

The Eliot workshop gave us great insights into what play is for kids this age.

• The kids spend all day receiving instructions. Play is their time to actually make their own rules and push their own limits.

• The kids like creating structures, vehicles and characters.

• Kids personified their creations

Andrew

Artifacts of Play

Hidden Messages

Shape Connections

Gabe,Jade,Andrew

Constructive Communication

Brainstorming

Create

Jade

How does this represent NuVu

Similar Projects

DexiBlocks

Snap Circuits

Mindstorms EV3

 Lego Mindstorms helps kids learn robotics, engineering, and coding, unfortunately it is focused towards a middle schooler age bracket.

Created by Will and Teo this was a project that also used a block building system to solve a problem. 

Snap Circuits encourages young children to create circuits in a very simple way.

Gabe,jade,andrew

First Ideas

Gabe,jade

Initial Prototypes

Version 1

Version 2

Version 3

Andrew,Jade

Jade

Jade

Andew

Andrew

Gabe

Next Steps

• We need to refine connector tolerances so the blocks don't fall out on their own.

• Play testing would be very helpful determining the scale and whether the blocks should be electronic or purely mechanical.

• We need to determine if we will be keeping the wood style or moving to 3d printed cubes.

Gabe,jade, andrew

Eliot School Playtest

Eliot School Workshop

• Children are told what to do all day, they don't want that when they go to play and have fun
• The more customizable the better
• Kids will find the most fun way to play with something, even if its not the intended way
• Height is fun

Concept Statement

Clink Linker, a super modular play structure where everything can change. Designed for kids to enjoy best heights in whichever medium they prefer. Poles sprout from the ground above floors, bungee cords can connect the poles and allow surfaces to climb on. Clink Linkers is made with ground tiles that can be stacked upon each other and poles that can be made as tall as you want, with so much customization you can never get bored.

Inspiration

Children's natural urges to climb

MODU Blocks

Madrid hospital

Full scale joint

PVC Pipe

Eyelet

Hook and bungie cable

Stopper

Next Steps

• Finalize materials
• Playtesting of form factor/shaping
• Full scale prototype of wedges
• Add appropriate coloring

Thank You

A multi person climbing wall which the users navigate by hanging from pegs which they drag through a maze, in tandem with a climbing partner holding the same pegs from the other side of the wall.

Eliot School Workshop

Kids want to climb!

Our Project

Creative Process

Precedents

Maze Peg Board

Maze Wall Art

Magnet Maze

Rock Wall

Folding Structure

Curved Concept

Maze Draft

Handle Exploration

Ladder

Logo

Handles

5' Person

Handles Channel

Wooden Supports

up close of handle??

Orthographic

9'

6'

9'

11'

Use Diagram

Front

Side

Next steps

• Build a full scale version
• Have the target audience (8-11 y/o) test
• Make sure the height works well
• Test weight capacity
• Finalize peg moving mech
• Decide on final pop up method
• Build a final full size model

THANK YOU!!!!