Abstract
This paper presents LINKKI, a kinetic construction toy based on a
planar linkage mechanism with which users can design
movements, make kinetic arts, and learn basic STEM subjects
through hands-on play. Consisting of a modular box, bars and
circles, and active/interactive modules, LINKKI simplifies the
technical construction toy to such an extent as to look minimal but
still retains the versatility of construction blocks as an educational
tool and designer’s prototyping tool.
The simplicity of LINKKI not only allows intuitive play, but also
enables users to easily tweak and create custom parts for
themselves, thus making it easy to incorporate raw material in
addition to the existing parts for prototyping use. Paying attention
to the aesthetic side, it is also intended to encourage a
demographic with possibly less exposure to technical toys (casual
users, young girls, etc.) to be engaged in motion design and STEM
subjects. In this paper, I describe the features of a functioning
LINKKI prototype and discuss the adaptability of the toy through
diverse usage examples and a user study.
planar linkage mechanism with which users can design
movements, make kinetic arts, and learn basic STEM subjects
through hands-on play. Consisting of a modular box, bars and
circles, and active/interactive modules, LINKKI simplifies the
technical construction toy to such an extent as to look minimal but
still retains the versatility of construction blocks as an educational
tool and designer’s prototyping tool.
The simplicity of LINKKI not only allows intuitive play, but also
enables users to easily tweak and create custom parts for
themselves, thus making it easy to incorporate raw material in
addition to the existing parts for prototyping use. Paying attention
to the aesthetic side, it is also intended to encourage a
demographic with possibly less exposure to technical toys (casual
users, young girls, etc.) to be engaged in motion design and STEM
subjects. In this paper, I describe the features of a functioning
LINKKI prototype and discuss the adaptability of the toy through
diverse usage examples and a user study.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of FabLearn 2016 |
| Subtitle of host publication | 6th Annual Conference on Creativity and Making in Education |
| Place of Publication | New York |
| Publisher | ACM |
| Pages | 86-89 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Volume | Part F126222 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-1-4503-4802-7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| MoE publication type | A4 Conference publication |
| Event | Conference on Creativity and Fabrication in Education - Stanford University, Palo Alto , United States Duration: 14 Oct 2016 → 16 Oct 2016 Conference number: 6 http://fablearn.org/conferences/stanford2016/ |
Conference
| Conference | Conference on Creativity and Fabrication in Education |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | FabLearn |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Palo Alto |
| Period | 14/10/2016 → 16/10/2016 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Construction toy
- prototyping
- STEAM education
- kinetic design
- manipulative
- Robotics
- tangible interface