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∆ Active ProjectProject Type: Tangible Storytelling + Play + Learning
Role: Director @ USC Annenberg Innovation Lab |
COMING SOON! Project is in development and is still looking for investments. We're so excited to share it with you.
Tangible Storytelling in a New, Connected World
WinkleBeans Smart Toys are all wooden character figures with movable, magnetic pieces called Elements. Inside each figure iis a series of sensors that allow it to talk to the WB story app. Depending on where certain Elements are placed on the WinkleBean give them certain powers. The figures work equally well in conjunction with the Story app or in traditional imaginative play.
Children can assemble, disassemble, and reassemble the Winklebean characters into thousands of unique configurations, which makes the Winklebeans perfect for exploration into tangible storytelling.
By splicing sensors into the Winklebeans’ magnetic pieces and embedding a tiny PC into its chassis, we transformed the wooden toys into smart objects that could sync up wirelessly with a dynamic book app on a connected mobile device.
When a child reconfigured the toy (for example, when the child took the ‘tail’ piece off the rear of the toy and attached it instead to the top of the Winklebean’s head), the storyline in the connected dynamic book app would change. We also embedded a speaker into each toy, which not only allowed the Winklebean to participate in the “performance” of the storytelling by adding its own commentary, but also allowed multiple Winklebeans to vocally react to one another when they were both synced to the same dynamic book app.
We also added an element of replayability by including an array of randomized responses that the toy could say at particular trigger moments within the story.
Tangible Storytelling in a New, Connected World
WinkleBeans Smart Toys are all wooden character figures with movable, magnetic pieces called Elements. Inside each figure iis a series of sensors that allow it to talk to the WB story app. Depending on where certain Elements are placed on the WinkleBean give them certain powers. The figures work equally well in conjunction with the Story app or in traditional imaginative play.
Children can assemble, disassemble, and reassemble the Winklebean characters into thousands of unique configurations, which makes the Winklebeans perfect for exploration into tangible storytelling.
By splicing sensors into the Winklebeans’ magnetic pieces and embedding a tiny PC into its chassis, we transformed the wooden toys into smart objects that could sync up wirelessly with a dynamic book app on a connected mobile device.
When a child reconfigured the toy (for example, when the child took the ‘tail’ piece off the rear of the toy and attached it instead to the top of the Winklebean’s head), the storyline in the connected dynamic book app would change. We also embedded a speaker into each toy, which not only allowed the Winklebean to participate in the “performance” of the storytelling by adding its own commentary, but also allowed multiple Winklebeans to vocally react to one another when they were both synced to the same dynamic book app.
We also added an element of replayability by including an array of randomized responses that the toy could say at particular trigger moments within the story.
Winklebeans’ adventures play out across media as part of the child’s storytelling, play and learning experience.
WinkleBeans have special powers! By moving the elements on the Winklebeans, you help the characters use their powers to change the direction of the story. Need extra strength to move a rock to discover a Totem? Put the strength element on top of their head. Need extra speed to outrun a falling mountain of trash? Put the speed element on their tail. WinkleBeans work together so often you’ll see a WinkleBean share their powers with one another.
In addition to the physical product, Winklebeans will be extended by a television series and afterschool program. The television series will be the mother narrative. “WinkleBeans work together.” is the character’s mantra. Themes for each episode will include friendship, sharing, and recognizing each other’s uniqueness set in stories that focus on our environmental impact. These episodes will connect to social-emotional learning through the lens of environmental science and sustainability.
WinkleBeans have special powers! By moving the elements on the Winklebeans, you help the characters use their powers to change the direction of the story. Need extra strength to move a rock to discover a Totem? Put the strength element on top of their head. Need extra speed to outrun a falling mountain of trash? Put the speed element on their tail. WinkleBeans work together so often you’ll see a WinkleBean share their powers with one another.
In addition to the physical product, Winklebeans will be extended by a television series and afterschool program. The television series will be the mother narrative. “WinkleBeans work together.” is the character’s mantra. Themes for each episode will include friendship, sharing, and recognizing each other’s uniqueness set in stories that focus on our environmental impact. These episodes will connect to social-emotional learning through the lens of environmental science and sustainability.
The Explorer's Club will give children the opportunity to tell stories, make stuff and save the world!
Built on a beacon-based mobile game that is immersive, guided, and interactive, the Explorer's Club afterschool program is a modern approach that updates content to appeal to past guests, offers a buzz-worthy activity to attract new audiences, and will increase ancillary revenue. If you'd like to learn more about this project, reach out to Erin. Thanks! |
