Learning Toy
2019-2021
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Released in 2019, the Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist is a toy aimed at children between three and six years old. Designed to introduce the basic sequential thinking behind coding, the user programmes a five-step sequence of movement and sound through turning a dial on each of the caterpillar’s five segments.
The five segments can be programmed to represent:
• Turn left,
• Move straight forward,
• Turn right,
• Music,
• Eating sounds,
• Chat,
• Animal sounds, or
• Music and sleeping sounds.
The principles of the Code-a-pillar Twist are taken from those of 1980s Turtle robots, but simplified for the younger target audience. Like the turtle robot, the Code-A-Pillar Twist requires its user programme a specific sequence of movement, with each instruction working in relation to the position of the object E.G. ‘turn left’ or ‘move forward one space’. However, the ability to physically ‘programme’ the Code-A-Pillar Twist by turning dials on each segment removes the need for a separate computer and programming software, simplifying the process of programming for a younger user.
Young V&A have acquired the second edition of the Code-a-pillar Twist. The first edition, released in 2016, consisted of eight separate modules, with each module resembling a specific action (turn left, move forward, etc). The child would programme the movement sequence by disassembling and re-assembling the modules, which were connected via USB ports. This design was discontinued, as it was found that the USB connections were too fragile and difficult for young children to manipulate.
The five segments can be programmed to represent:
• Turn left,
• Move straight forward,
• Turn right,
• Music,
• Eating sounds,
• Chat,
• Animal sounds, or
• Music and sleeping sounds.
The principles of the Code-a-pillar Twist are taken from those of 1980s Turtle robots, but simplified for the younger target audience. Like the turtle robot, the Code-A-Pillar Twist requires its user programme a specific sequence of movement, with each instruction working in relation to the position of the object E.G. ‘turn left’ or ‘move forward one space’. However, the ability to physically ‘programme’ the Code-A-Pillar Twist by turning dials on each segment removes the need for a separate computer and programming software, simplifying the process of programming for a younger user.
Young V&A have acquired the second edition of the Code-a-pillar Twist. The first edition, released in 2016, consisted of eight separate modules, with each module resembling a specific action (turn left, move forward, etc). The child would programme the movement sequence by disassembling and re-assembling the modules, which were connected via USB ports. This design was discontinued, as it was found that the USB connections were too fragile and difficult for young children to manipulate.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Learning toy, 'Code-a-Pillar Twist', Fisher Price (USA), designed 2019, plastic and electronic components |
| Physical description | A blue and white plastic catapillar with five small segments and one large head segment with large anthropomorphic blue eyes. The top of each small segment has a blue dial, and the main head segment has: a 'play' button and a speaker. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | Programming toys
Toy designers have experimented with programming functions since the late 1970s. Adding microchips meant that children could programme their toys, pressing buttons to create a series of actions.
Today’s more technically complex toys help children learn coding more easily, displaying functions as children programme them and again as the toys carry them out.(31/06/2023) |
| Summary | Released in 2019, the Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar Twist is a toy aimed at children between three and six years old. Designed to introduce the basic sequential thinking behind coding, the user programmes a five-step sequence of movement and sound through turning a dial on each of the caterpillar’s five segments. The five segments can be programmed to represent: • Turn left, • Move straight forward, • Turn right, • Music, • Eating sounds, • Chat, • Animal sounds, or • Music and sleeping sounds. The principles of the Code-a-pillar Twist are taken from those of 1980s Turtle robots, but simplified for the younger target audience. Like the turtle robot, the Code-A-Pillar Twist requires its user programme a specific sequence of movement, with each instruction working in relation to the position of the object E.G. ‘turn left’ or ‘move forward one space’. However, the ability to physically ‘programme’ the Code-A-Pillar Twist by turning dials on each segment removes the need for a separate computer and programming software, simplifying the process of programming for a younger user. Young V&A have acquired the second edition of the Code-a-pillar Twist. The first edition, released in 2016, consisted of eight separate modules, with each module resembling a specific action (turn left, move forward, etc). The child would programme the movement sequence by disassembling and re-assembling the modules, which were connected via USB ports. This design was discontinued, as it was found that the USB connections were too fragile and difficult for young children to manipulate. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.91-2022 |
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| Record created | February 5, 2021 |
| Record URL |
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