Ayah Bdeir launched ‘Little Bits‘ last week at Eyebeam: a kit of magnet-studded circuit components that naturally snap together with the right polarity. The idea is to make prototyping of simple interaction possible for those outside the electrical engineering profession – such as this example of a product designer experimenting with lights on a mock-up of a coffee machine (below). The little components are very sturdy, like tiny building blocks, transforming the traditionally ornate and delicate circuit components into a material in themselves. These electronic tectonics are inspiring not only for rapid prototyping, but also as a way to visualize the function and re-purposing of consumer products of all kinds.
littleBits coffeemaker from ayah bdeir on Vimeo.