WalkAbout is a mobile utility that turns a person’s daily physical activity into social currency. Using a mobile phone’s built-in accelerometer, the system runs in the background, counting the user’s steps as s/he goes about his/her daily business. WalkAbout users can dedicate their steps to a variety of different participation modes – each mode defined by different degrees of social engagement and competitiveness.

The goal of the application is to stimulate activity among people with sedentary lifestyles by building awareness of their current activity levels and leveraging this awareness to stimulate further activity through the use of social engagement, and competitive … Continue Reading

The KBD-1000 Boombox features wireless connectivity (802.11g wi-fi) that allows the user to stream audio to the device and play it through a high quality, portable sound system, while preserving the classic aesthetics and high quality production of the vintage machines.

The design of the KBD-1000 is inspired by the Panasonic RX-7000 (the same model was also distributed by National). Originally released in 1981 and retailing for $700.00 US, this product was targeted at the high-end market, as its wood side panels and controls were similar to those found on the high-end home stereo receivers of the day. In keeping with … Continue Reading

The skateboard locker concept was developed for a class project that required us to examine and re-design a doorway/transition experience. Our initial observations and brainstorming helped us identify “transition smoothing” as a theme for our project.

Our next step was to find a location that would benefit from some form of “transition smoothing”. The main entrance to Green Library on Stanford campus proved to be an ideal location. Upon further observations and interviews with staff, students, and facilities management, we identified skateboard storage a an opportunity area.

Skateboards can currently be checked behind the security desk located at the library’s entrance, however … Continue Reading

An open contest to develop a pedal-powered machine. All the energy generated by the machine has to be pedal-power as its original source.Specialized: Innovate or Die

A fantastic photographic history of the Boombox. Staring with The Golden Age: 1981-1985

Jan Chipchase – Future Perfect: Search Results