This was a concept that I was working on that has folded into a new proposal as part of Sme(n)ms.

Concept and Introduction

Communication through the use of touch, the creation of sounds, and the grasping of objects is a fundamental activity between a young child and parent. TOMI allows parents to take this activity to a whole new level. TOMI represents an online musical toy for children and parents that allows for the creation and sharing of sound events and accompanying visualizations. The goal of this product is to allow for a new form of interaction between parent, child, and family. This form of interaction would not only mimic current activities but would use the unique strengths of the medium to create a whole new experience. The expected result of this product is a collaborative environment where children, parents, and family can create “music” and animations as an aid to child development.

TOMI consists of a physical device, the toy, connected to a computer and an accompanying web site. The web site serves as a means for sharing and further creation. The device consists of three brightly coloured soft toys of various sizes connected to computer which allow a child and her parent to compose through play a series of sounds and than share them with family and friends via the internet. The toys control a sophisticated interaction that is hidden from the both parent and child. By grasping, shaking, and throwing the toys the child causes the manipulation of pre-created sound events and their corresponding symbols. The screen interface forms a semantic relationship - a metaphorical meaning between sound and representative animated symbol.

The website serves as a means to record these play activities. It also shares the same concept of interface and the focus is more on sharing than on high level music creation. During the use of TOMI parents have the option of saving the play sessions sound and visual composition. This saved session can than be automatically uploaded to the website to allow for sharing and repeat performance away from the TOMI device. Parents can download this saved play session to allow for their child to view at another time. As well these saved states can be shared among family and friends. The web site also allows for the creation of unique sessions by family and friends (or potentially parents at work) for the child to view. This could allow for a form of remote play for those unable to be there for the “live” play session.

Categorized: Work and Working , Projects

Tagged: , Projects