Project Two: David McInerney

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Toy/Game Proposal: “Canadian Whispers"



How to use

This prototype is designed to allow OCAD students to 'project' personal messages, similar to a facebook status, while not even speaking. So often these days people walk around with their iPod headphones on and have no outward interaction with the world. People are less likely to approach someone who is wearing headphones in the street because they are afraid to interrupt them and these people often appear anti-social.

OCAD, being on a downtown campus has less social interaction opportunities than other larger universities. From my research, OCAD students are very friendly, but lack ways to interact with new people who they might not share classes with.

With “Canadian Whispers: Status on a Cord”, people can read messages that are attached to their iPod cord, even strangers on the subway! Messages could include what they are feeling, where they are going, what they are listening to on their iPod…. pretty much anything!

So often we are dictated by electronics! This poses the inconvenience of charging devices and the dissatisfaction of having dead batteries! "Canadian Whispers" uses recycled paper to write messages on , therefore this toy is environmentally friendly... which OCAD students will appreciate. Another benefit is the ability for personalisation, and creative output, users can use any colour pens/paints to express themselves with this device.

People can have lots of fun with this product, friends can even have matching messages. A game that people can play is similar to “Chinese Whispers” where a player starts a story, then others add to the story, often creating funny scenarios… this product is ideal for funny storytelling.

Users need
Mp3 with headphone cord
Pen

Toy includes
Cord attachment and pieces of paper

User testing

POED Classmates enjoyed writing funny messages on the paper provided and identified as iPod or Mp3 users.

"I can see people going to work with their ipods with your toy attached with funny messages, jokes, political points of views, and destroying the dismal stigma that is rush hour by making people laugh, even starting conversations."
Phil - OCAD student
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