Mole Messenger
AT
MIT Media Lab
RANGE OF WORK
Tangible Interfaces, Design for Play, User-Centered Design
ABOUT
Mole Messenger is a pair of connected creatures that help children share and send messages to their loved ones who may be far away. Each Mole Messenger box houses a pushable mole. When one is pushed, the other pops up, as if traversing to the other side of the globe. The mole can be tapped to carry different color messages when pushed, and can be used to play physically engaged games across distances. This paper describes the design and implementation of the system, explores various approaches within the design space, engages with the context and user experience, and meditates on the potential for positive psychological impact. Inspired by one family’s story of separation and how they helped their children stay connected, we hope Mole Messenger can become an important tool for communication and healthy emotional development in children.
Video
Concept Design
Modeling and designing interior mechanism
prototyping
Future Directions
Sketch
Collaborators
Stephan Hernandez: 3D modeling, fabrication, wood working, research
Xiyaoan Shen: Electronic components, coding, silicone molding
Agatha Park: concept generation, design sketches, fabrication, video editing
Yang Liu: User Research
Maggie George: Concept sketches, design, fabrication, electronic components, research, silicone molding