motionKit
momentix toys
A toy kit that leverages
Rube Goldberg machines to teach design engineering in an open-ended, creative way.
year
2020-2022
role
co-designer, co-founder
on this page
the kit
pieces
programming
curriculum
process
Design Opportunity
Traditional science and building kits do not emphasize creativity and open-ended exploration, leaving large categories of kids feeling like they can't identify with STEM fields.
goal
get a kid who might not typically be drawn to a classically branded STEM kit to make a chain reaction machine, and in the process organically practice the skills that make for truly great scientists: curiosity, failure + resilience, creative problem solving
method
create a toy that feels intuitive to experiment with and naturally facilitates both the “a-ha!” moments of physics learning and the “yes!” moments of design
requirements
must be able to interface with real world objects + be strong enough to withstand real world forces . Must include key components of a chain reaction machine, like levers, pulleys, and ramps. Must be made of sustainable, sturdy materials that make kids feel like genuine builders
process
a prototyping + testing process grounded in play featuring 100+ toy testers + 5 workshops + 1 ongoing school club
designed with manufacture in mind, all pieces can be cut from 3 stock wood thicknesses
prototypes made with foam, clay, and lasercut wood. CAD models made in fusion360.
**the motionKit was informed by testing and feedback from our makerKit
one of many design thinking sessions to help hone physical pieces, instructions, and packaging to create a truly playful experience
.png)
the kit
23 wooden pieces that nudge, roll, spin, and tilt, transforming household objects into funky chain reaction contraptions, also known as Rube Goldberg Machines. Linked together, they create kinetic masterpieces that can scale in complexity, depending on age and play style.
the motionKit pieces are simple to put together and designed to interface with other motionKit pieces and household objects, intuitively
programming
how do you get someone to engage in open-ended play and problem solving?
how do you create instructional material that kids and adults will actually use?
.jpg)
1.
the challenge booklet
2.
the cards
curriculum
how can we create curriculum that meets NGSS standards while not compromising open-ended experimentation?
