“Browsercize promotes healthy computer work habits by prompting its user to take physical-exercise breaks. The computer’s internet browser locks the user out of its use until he/she touches his/her toes 10 times.” For more info, go here, and check out the video here

Scent Rhythm is timekeeping device that maps relational olfactory sequences to the body’s circadian cycle. The sense of smell is a chemoreceptor, which means that these sensors can detect chemicals. The sense of time, chronoception, is not based on the function of a specific organ, but rather the result of the interaction of the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and basal ganglia. This device attempts to keep a chemical watch on the circadian rhythm, by administering fragrance+supplement concoctions associated with the daily activity of the moment to promote the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as chamomile+melatonin during sleeping hours, and espresso+caffeine to get you through the morning! Find out more here!

“Blockuits is a working prototype of large, foam building blocks, some with a variety of electronic outputs and some that are purely analog. Modular and sustainable, this toy is also multi-sensory, with components such as music, multi-colored and multi-shaped blocks, colored LEDs, various textures and vibration motors. A few of the blocks are embedded with a 9-volt battery, providing power to the blocks that contain electronic components. When children place an electronic component block on top or below the power block, the circuit is completed, and children will be able to see, hear or feel the result of their action. All blocks also use magnets, further supporting the system structure, and strengthening the circuit. Children are able to build, improve, manipulate their space, and play within the structures they create while learning the concept of cause and effect. This prototype develops both the left and right sides of the brain, both logical and creative. Instead of being 100% screen based, this toy is a tactile, three-dimensional experience, as well as an electronic one.” More info can be found here.

“The Physical to Digital Color Mixer is an experiment in tangibility. Mixing color in the real world is a fun, tactile-rich experience. Mixing color digitally by changing RGB values, while efficient, lacks any of the tactile feedback of its real world analog. The Color Mixer is an attempt to blend the tactile feedback of mixing paint with the versatility of mixing digital color. A user begins by selecting a cup of water illuminated with red, green or blue light. The color can then be poured into a central mixing tube where a sensor will detect how much of the selected color has been poured in. The light shone into the mixing tube then changes in real time as the user pours, allowing any color to be created on demand.

Once a color has been mixed, the user can then choose to send this color to one of two places. By touching the paint brush to the metal symbol on the lamp, the color in the mixing tube is sent to the lamp, causing it to glow in the selected color. Touching the brush to the symbol on the computer and using the brush to “paint” on the tablet will send the color to the computer so it can be used in the drawing program. By selecting the “Live Paint” option, the user can paint while they are pouring color into the mixing tube, allowing multiple colors to be blended together in a single brush stroke. Pulling the reset lever drains the liquid from the central mixing tube and refills the RGB cups to their initial values to the user can mix a new color.”