MeMod: A Modular Hacking and Programming Toolkit For Everyday Objects

This proposal presents a modular system design for a set of programmable tools with various form factors inspired by the relations between human body parts and industrial elements. By providing functional forms to sensors and actuators, and tangible methods of programming behaviors to the objects, we propose a more customizable experience in the area of the Internet of Things. We explore the design space through studying motions in everyday elements and introduce applications of digitally enabled modules in form factors such as hinge, joints, zipper etc. Lastly, we investigate physical ways to program these modules that affords playful interactions in the tangible world. The workshop will first focus on using probes, brainstorming toolkits to generate the design ideas related to themes such as super-powers, environments as extension of the body and next generation of ubiquitous computing [5]. By using the resources and tool-kits provided by the workshop organizers, participants will generate proof-of-concept prototype as final deliverables. Participants are required to bring personal laptops.