Gamer Kit thumbnail 1
Gamer Kit thumbnail 2
+6
images

This object consists of 6 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Gamer Kit

Games Console
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.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 6 parts.

  • Educational Toy
  • Cables
  • Packaging
  • Leaflets
  • Leaflets
  • Packaging
TitleGamer 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
  • Height: 47mm
  • Width: 67mm
  • Depth: 106mm
Production typeMass produced
Gallery label
(01/07/2023)
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]
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

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdSeptember 23, 2021
Record URL
Download as: JSON