Dhairya Dand ThinkerToys Turn Old Computer Gadgets into Learning Tools
Sarah Moore — March 29, 2012 — Social Good
References: dhairyadand & gizmag
The Dhairya Dand ThinkerToys combine worn-out electronics found in landfills with a modular circuit board to make educational entertainment devices for kids in Cambodia.
With technology that is constantly evolving, it is usually cheaper to replace old devices rather than to repair them.
Instead of letting all that junk pile up and go to waste, Dand used all those old keyboards, monitors and other various computer parts and sound equipment that were found in landfills to make toys for underprivileged kids.
The toys use a plug and play model, and by attaching the module kit to an old device, a toy is created. There are several prototypes in the works including devices such as storybook readers and math flashcard games using LCD screens.
While the Dhairya Dand ThinkerToys are still early on in production, the idea is to eventually ship the modular boxes to undeveloped countries so children without toys can create ones from objects they already have at their disposal.
With technology that is constantly evolving, it is usually cheaper to replace old devices rather than to repair them.
Instead of letting all that junk pile up and go to waste, Dand used all those old keyboards, monitors and other various computer parts and sound equipment that were found in landfills to make toys for underprivileged kids.
The toys use a plug and play model, and by attaching the module kit to an old device, a toy is created. There are several prototypes in the works including devices such as storybook readers and math flashcard games using LCD screens.
While the Dhairya Dand ThinkerToys are still early on in production, the idea is to eventually ship the modular boxes to undeveloped countries so children without toys can create ones from objects they already have at their disposal.
Trend Themes
1. Repurposed Electronics - Repurposing discarded technology for educational entertainment devices creates a sustainable and cost-effective solution for underprivileged communities.
2. Modular Circuit Boards - Modular circuit boards allow for creative repurposing of old electronic components and could be a disruptor for traditional toy manufacturing.
3. Do-it-yourself Toys - The plug-and-play model for creating toys from old devices empowers children to create and play with their own creations, potentially disrupting the toy industry market.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - The use of modular circuit boards in toy manufacturing could disrupt the traditional methods of production and offer a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
2. Electronic Waste Management - Repurposing electronic waste into educational toys not only provides a sustainable solution but also creates new opportunities for the electronic waste management industry.
3. Education Technology - The use of repurposed electronics in educational entertainment devices could disrupt the traditional methods of teaching and learning, creating new opportunities for the education technology industry.
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