Maker Faire was nothing like what I expected and was incredible to see. The amount of geek power out in the world today (and I mean that in a positive and aspiring way) is truly mind-blowing. My friend/classmate Lara and I were talking about this relatively recent explosion in technology education for children and couldn't help wondering where we might be if these types of opportunities had been as much a part of our lives as it clearly is for many children today.
While there were countless ridiculously cool projects, I narrowed it down to three to discuss here: 4MP, Electric Chaircut by Nelson, and Twitchy (et al at the NYCResistor booth).
4MP.
Michael Chladil's Project named 4MP—an interactive music machine that requires you to tug on pulleys with up to three other people to make music—was awesome to play around with. I have very little experience in sound, so seeing what can be done with MAX/MSP was eye-opening for me. Also, the "machine" is just really fun to use in the way that it combines a fun physical motion with crazy soundtracks that are linked to exactly what you're doing. As you can see in the video, it clearly appeals to users of all ages.
Electric Chaircut by Nelson.
This project was pretty solidly crazy, but very cool to see and hear. Nelson Loskamp constructed a machine that takes an ordinary activity—a haircut—and turns it into a performance piece. By amplifying the scissors and attaching sound effect pedals to the various haircutting instruments, he was able to create a soundscape to accompany the haircuts he was giving to the unsuspecting volunteers. The combination of creative vision and technical adeptness was great and made me want to continue working toward integrating these types of realms.
Also, for reasons unknown, YouTube isn't acknowledging the fact that I had rotated it into the proper orientation outside of their system and appears to be showing it sideways. My apologies.
Twitchy [and friends].
While some may think some of NYCResistor's toys were creepy—(because let's face it, some of them were...there was a twitching "baby" doll with only a few limbs and no head. seriously)—I was thoroughly entertained and inspired by the quirky edge that NYCResistor puts into their toys, many of which featuring some type of vintage throwback element. The most eye-catching was a small blue monster they call "Twitchy" that, well, twitches. The motion is very comical and jerky, especially given that for reasons untold there is a similarly twitching cutlery set just to the side of the toy. But the vision to create such unique and interesting toys and games is a good reminder of what you can accomplish with good design, ideas, and technical ability.
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