Gamer Kit
Games Console
2017
2017
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Tech Will Save Us was founded in 2012 by the American designer and inventor Bethany Koby, and by the artist and entrepreneur Daniel Hirschmann. The company produced DIY technology kits aimed at introducing children to science, technology, engingeering, and mathematics (STEAM).
The kits allow for hands-on learning which can be done at home outside of the formal education space, which can be quite passive. Koby has stated that people often take a passive role when using technology - such as passive screen-time use, and that she wanted families to foster a different relationship with technology.
The 'Gamer Kit' uses a Printed Circuit Board, which is connected to an LED matrix, and then run by an Arduino Uno, which is a microcontroller board often used to introduce people to electronics and coding. The whole contraption is charged by a 9V battery. After users have installed Arduino software onto a computer, they can install individual codes which can be played as games on the device. Users can create games like Snake, Tic Tac Toe, or a Maze, which can also be modified using coding.
The kits allow for hands-on learning which can be done at home outside of the formal education space, which can be quite passive. Koby has stated that people often take a passive role when using technology - such as passive screen-time use, and that she wanted families to foster a different relationship with technology.
The 'Gamer Kit' uses a Printed Circuit Board, which is connected to an LED matrix, and then run by an Arduino Uno, which is a microcontroller board often used to introduce people to electronics and coding. The whole contraption is charged by a 9V battery. After users have installed Arduino software onto a computer, they can install individual codes which can be played as games on the device. Users can create games like Snake, Tic Tac Toe, or a Maze, which can also be modified using coding.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 6 parts.
|
| Title | Gamer Kit |
| Materials and techniques | Electric components, plastic, card, paper |
| Brief description | 'Gamer Kit', handheld console set designed and manufactured by Tech Will Save Us, UK, 2017 |
| Physical description | Assembled Gamer Kit with orange casing. Kit also contains a USB cable, a letter from the designers Bethany and Daniel, a small card container for the 'BRAIN' components, and instructions leaflet. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Gallery label | Making: the last 100 years
Children learn a lot through imitating adults, and some toys introduce them to skills used the workplace. Over the last 100 years or so, these types of toys have changed to reflect the new skills needed for modern jobs.
Sewing and engineering metal are still useful, but kids can now also practice electrical circuitry and combine practical making with programming skills.
17 SAM Labs Maker Kit, Vehicle and Scanner
Designer: SAM Labs
Date: 1992
Location: England
Materials: Plastic, metal, electronics
Given by SAM Labs
18 DIY Gamer Kit
Designer: Tech Will Save Us
Date: 2015
Location: Designed UK, manufactured China
Materials: Plastic, electronics
Museum no. B.46-2022
19 Kano Computer Kit Complete
Designer: Kano
Date: 2015
Location: USA
Materials: Plastic, electronics
20 The Young Tinsmith
Designer: B.T.M.
Date: 1930–49
Location: England
Materials: Metal, wood, card
Museum no. B.348-1996
21 Sewing machine
Designer: Müller
Date: 1920–39
Location: Germany
Materials: Steel
Museum no. MISC.693-1988
[Young V&A, Design Gallery, Design helps us to learn, group object label] (01/07/2023) |
| Summary | Tech Will Save Us was founded in 2012 by the American designer and inventor Bethany Koby, and by the artist and entrepreneur Daniel Hirschmann. The company produced DIY technology kits aimed at introducing children to science, technology, engingeering, and mathematics (STEAM). The kits allow for hands-on learning which can be done at home outside of the formal education space, which can be quite passive. Koby has stated that people often take a passive role when using technology - such as passive screen-time use, and that she wanted families to foster a different relationship with technology. The 'Gamer Kit' uses a Printed Circuit Board, which is connected to an LED matrix, and then run by an Arduino Uno, which is a microcontroller board often used to introduce people to electronics and coding. The whole contraption is charged by a 9V battery. After users have installed Arduino software onto a computer, they can install individual codes which can be played as games on the device. Users can create games like Snake, Tic Tac Toe, or a Maze, which can also be modified using coding. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.46-2022 |
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| Record created | September 23, 2021 |
| Record URL |
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