We introduce a new concept of networking objects in everyday environments. The basic idea is to build on the familiar use of surfaces such as walls and boards for attachment of mundane objects such as light controls, pictures, and notes. Hence our networking concept entails augmentation of such surfaces with conductive material to enable them as communication medium. It further incorporates the use of simple pushpin-connectors through which objects can be attached to network-enabled surfaces. Thereby users are provided with a highly familiar mechanism for adding objects ad hoc to the network, hence its name Pin&Play. This paper describes the architecture and principles of Pin&Play, as well as the design and implementation of a smart notice-board as proof of concept.

Traditionally, the notion of home crafting connotes the use of "low-tech " materials and techniques; but increasingly, the once-distinct worlds of crafting and computational media have become integrated, to the mutual benefit of both cultures. In this paper, we discuss a wide range of recurring issues in the integration of crafts and computation, drawing upon a variety of related research projects. In particular, we explore the ways in which attention to computational crafts can encourage a productive re-examination of such notions as programming languages, computer architectures, and peripheral devices. Keywords. Computation and crafts, HyperGami, HyperSpider, computationally-enriched craft items.

In recent years, educational technologists and designers have begun to explore a variety of ways in which physical and computational media can be integrated—for instance, through the design of “intelligent toys ” for children. This paper describes our ongoing efforts at exploring a different sort of physical-computational integration, focusing on children’s design activities, output devices, and the notion of “printing out ” more generally. We describe several representative systems under development in our group; each of these systems highlights particular possibilities for exploring and experimenting with output devices for children’s crafts. We also present a set of design heuristics—useful techniques for those educational designers interested in expanding the range and expressiveness of craft activities for children.

As I write this sentence, I am glancing over at the color printer sitting beside my screen. In the popular jargon of the computer industry, that printer is called a "peripheral"—which, upon reflection, is a rather odd way to describe it. What, precisely, is it peripheral to? If the ultimate

In this paper we present a number of augmented refrigerator magnet concepts. The concepts are shown to be derived from previous research into the everyday use of fridge surfaces. Three broadly encompassing practices have been addressed through the concepts: (i) organization/planning in households; (ii) reminding; and (iii) methods household members use to assign ownership to particular tasks, activities and artifacts. Particular emphasis is given to a design approach that aims to build on the simplicity of magnets so that each of the concepts offers a basic, simple to operate function. The concepts, and our use of what we call this less is more design sensibility are examined using a low-fidelity prototyping exercise. The results of this preliminary work suggest that the concepts have the potential to be easily incorporated into household routines and that the design of simple functioning devices lends itself to this.

In this paper we present a number of augmented refrigerator magnet concepts. The concepts are shown to be derived from previous research into the everyday use of fridge surfaces. Three broadly encompassing practices have been addressed through the concepts: (i) organization/planning in households; (ii) reminding; and (iii) methods household members use to assign ownership to particular tasks, activities and artifacts. Particular emphasis is given to a design approach that aims to build on the simplicity of magnets so that each of the concepts offers a basic, simple to operate function. The concepts, and our use of what we call this less is more design sensibility are examined using a low-fidelity prototyping exercise. The results of this preliminary work suggest that the concepts have the potential to be easily incorporated into household routines and that the design of simple functioning devices lends itself to this.