The Focus
Plezmo approached Elephant with a basic breadbox model of their highly innovative learning platform
The need for a holistic revamp was felt: from the basic components of the platform itself to the brand logo and even the software app in question
Needed to incorporate a premium, streamlined look and feel for both, the hardware and the software for it to remove all perceptions of cluttering and chunkiness.
The Design
Elephant undertook extensive research and produced many proofs-of-concept which were then given to kids in order to observe what they were most comfortable with
The team integrated all forms of cutting-edge technology that could accompany the IoT building blocks that Plezmo was comprised of
A streamlining of aesthetics – from the logo, to the software UI, to the blocks and components was undertaken with great care to provide a wholesome brand identity
The Story
The leaps and bounds being made in the educational sector happen in tandem with immense technological innovation. Today’s children have long since exchanged analog interfaces like paper books and blackboards for virtual devices, where their tiny fingers can navigate iPad screens perfectly. Even an adult might be left perplexed!
Today, education, with the aid of technology, aims to literally traverse outside the classroom. While large scale reform is still underway, STEM educational models now focus a lot more on practical applications as opposed to book-based rote learning. This means that the focus is no longer on scoring marks, but rather, on how concepts may be utilised in day to day life.
“Plezmo, a plug and play learning type of platform that makes the process of learning coding extremely immersive and more importantly, fun. One can think of it as Lego with IoT devices. Kids can use small IoT building blocks and an easy to use virtual interface together to create a huge number of application-based scenarios.”
Since tech penetration is high, all professions like coding, aeromodelling, robotics and so on are gaining traction, even if at the school level, they are often relegated to the ‘extracurricular’ bracket. Teachers are often not equipped to teach these subjects and an incorrect, textual approach can often lead to children developing an abhorrence for these subjects.
This brings us to Plezmo, a plug and play learning type of platform that makes the process of learning coding extremely immersive and more importantly, fun. Kids can use small IoT building blocks and an easy to use virtual interface together to create a huge number of application-based scenarios. It smoothly blends imaginative role-play with a hands-on approach for maximum efficacy.
Plezmo approached the team at Elephant with basic breadbox modules, where the tech already existed. However, they wanted their product to possess an extremely high-quality finish and a premium look and feel. More importantly, the products needed to echo their core premise, which was the provision of cutting-edge technology made extremely simple and accessible so that even a child could use it with ease.
Apart from the product, Elephant also took on the task of redesigning the entirety of their brand identity, the application’s visual interface and the packaging to make it a holistic offering.
“Plezmo approached the team at Elephant with basic breadbox modules, where the tech already existed. However, they wanted their product to possess an extremely high-quality finish and a premium look and feel.”
Component Revamp
Elephant started by narrowing down a list of concepts and ideas by closely observing children at play – what they were comfortable with, what came naturally to them and the shapes, sizes etc. that they could intuitively understand.
One can now see the smooth, rounded edges of all the modules in question. “Intelligent, secure and child-safe” were our watchwords. In-order to be compatible with children’s play habits; the blocks were made small, lightweight and wireless, with a long battery life. Each Plezmo element performs a distinct input or output function such as sound, sensing movement, gestures, proximity, displays colour and activates lights, allowing control through buttons and knobs.
In addition, the Plezmo elements are also Bluetooth enabled and can be tethered to the app within a range of 30 feet. They also come equipped with a charger for repeated, nearly endless usage.
Virtual Playground
With the regular approach to coding, one often can be daunted by the complexities of coding languages, complex mathematics principles and logical acrobatics. “Hands on” coding is not the easiest thing for children to imbibe.
Since the parts themselves were so modular, we decided to opt for a modular visual interface to accompany them. This software platform can be used to set up sequences and actions for the components in question. The individual Building blocks serve as Command prompts and govern certain parameters (time, movement, light, sound). Children can, hence, play with these parameters and the sequencing to produce different results in the blocks themselves.
For example, when a child is imagining a toy train system come to life, they can add signals for train crossing, while also creating a crossing out of the components by manipulating the motion sensor, light sensor and so on. Their imagination, hence, practically can come to life!
Accessories compatible with Lego elements have also been incorporated with these IoT modules which can range from extremely simple to futuristically complex – yet, within the comprehensive range of the child. Why, with the application of Plezmo, even self-driving cars aren’t out of the realm of possibilities!
The Story Behind the Story
Lastly, Elephant decided to go over the top and design customised scenario kits for children. These are designed on corrugated sheets. These can be folded to create various types of models to which Plezmo elements are attached.
Basically, this enables the kids to start their own DIY 3D models for the realisation of their ideas. This also gives them a solid foundation to introduce them to the potential of the components on a whole. Varying subjects in the realms of the arts, science, real world systems, robotics etc. are all incorporated into these starter kits.
“Digital design is like painting, except the paint never dries.”
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Industry Recognition
Taiwan’s Golden Pin Design Award is the most influential design award in the global Huaren market. Awarded by the Taiwan Design Research Institute since 1981.
With entries from over 57 countries, the iF DESIGN AWARD has a long history. The first ceremony was hosted in 1954, and the award considers the impact of design on both: social and commercial fronts.