Spark
Hands-on learning for children in a digital world.
Spark is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, supporting children with homework, tutoring, or even playful explorations. Rather than increasing screen time, Spark uses laser projections to create an immersive, hands-on learning environment in combination with analog materials like school books and notebooks.
The classroom is the best learning environment for children, where they are supported by teachers and enriched by social interactions with classmates. However, after school, when it‘s time to go home, children are often left to their own devices. So - how might we assist children in their independent learning moments outside of the school environment?
"How might we assist children in their
independent learning moments?"
Placed at the desk Spark is always ready and eager to see what you are working with. Simply tap on the soft textile top surface to wake Spark up.
Spark can be directed to explain something on the page, elaborate on a piece of information or provide a deep dive into more detailed information and media. Here the child can point or use their voice to talk with Spark.
Spark can be directed to explain something on the page, elaborate on a piece of information or provide a deep dive into more detailed information and media. Here the child can point or use their voice to talk with Spark.
Spark has state of the art video communication features. Flip up the face-cam and take full advantage of the large format projections on the wall, showing the person you are talking to in 1:1 scale.
A user on the other end can also make notes and collaborate with you in real time directly in the analog media placed in front of Spark. Perfect for tutoring, getting help on homework from your teacher or just chatting with friends.
Spark is not stuck to the desk. It is easy to carry around to wherever you are in the home. The softness of the shape invites the user to either carry Spark in their arms or using the integrated grip.
Spark is designed to be friendly and approachable but without appearing like a toy. Its shape and size invite interaction, whether children are carrying it in their arms or tapping its head to wake it up.
When the homework is done Spark moves to the living room where it is time to watch a movie.
For the more open ended creative moments in a child's life, Spark is there to support and more importantly play along. Visual input from a sketch on a paper opens up endless paths to explore and create around.
The playful side of Spark gives the child the opportunity to create everything from racetracks to chess boards directly in front of them. And together with the vivid color pictures on the wall really creates a portal to other worlds.
We wanted the shape to be friendly enough to interact with and carry around yet it shouldn’t take away from the capabilities the product offers. The tapered sides gives the idea of where to grab on the product, yet keeps the continuity of the surfaces intact.
The base plate has a chamfer to hint at the easy portability of the product, giving it a lighter look when placed on a table.
The top surface is tilted like a head, indicating that Spark is interested in what is placed in front of it. It also creates an angle that invites the user to interact with the touch sensitive top surface.
Spark is designed with cooling in mind. The raised air inlet on the lower chamfer allows it to be placed on a fluffy rug and still breath in fresh air, a major aspect of a functional projector.
Children can interact with Webby using voice, gestures, or touch, fostering a dynamic collaboration that blends analog materials and toys with AI's limitless possibilities. This playful interaction nurtures their curiosity, allowing them to explore learning as they let their imagination lead the way.
From the start we focused on exploring the physical form and the digital interactions. We worked with rapid sketching on both paper and in virtual reality. Early on we started building different prototypes to test shape, size and proportions as well as UI interactions.
