Computer Fun
A while back I posted about The TED Experience, a site that has videos of talks from a regulartalk-fest on the subjects of Technology, Entertainment & Design. One video that fulfills all three criteria is, I think, that of Caleb Chung.
Computers are tools of work as well as a means for users to enjoy things they might not otherwise see or experience. But computers don’t have to be a box with a screen, keyboard and mouse. They can be packaged in other ways, sometimes ways that are simply fun to be around.
Caleb Chung has spent years working with toys, as well as considerable time putting together working models of a variety of types. Perhaps you remember or even have a furbie? Cute little toys that had a variety of simple responses and movements. Caleb Chung made them.
Pleo’s are dinosaur toys, and Caleb apparently spent considerable time to make them as close to the real model as he could. While I can’t really comment on the accuracy of his model, I must say they are cute. Even on screen they evoke an empathic reaction, like seeing a puppy. It’s remarkable that someone could put together basic equipment that is capable of bringing such a reaction, similar to that we feel for living creatures.
And Pleo’s come with USB and memory card slots for user upgrades and changes!
Even more remarkable is that humans, the same people who can kill and maim with such apparent ease, can find caring feelings for a toy, for a collection of plastic and metal bits, while simultaneously turning away from their troubled fellow man.
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