Playful programming

UK – Technology Will Save Us’ latest product is a programmable play wearable that helps children to learn to code.

• The Mover Kit is designed to teach youngsters about electronics while encouraging active play
• The kit includes coloured LEDs, a printed circuit board, rechargeable battery, snap band and housing

Called the Mover Kit, the build-it-yourself device teaches children creative problem-solving through computational thinking, electronics and coding. Once assembled, the Mover can be programmed using the bespoke Make platform to respond to a variety of movements using its flashing lights. This means youngsters can gamify everyday tasks such as brushing their teeth or make sports activities more fun. The device’s snap band means that the Mover can either be worn on the wrist or attached to various objects. The product has just been launched on Kickstarter.

‘Kid-centric, learning-focused technology is an emerging category in the market,’ says Bethany Koby, co-founder and CEO of Technology Will Save Us. ‘The gap [in the market] is huge. There is nothing like the Mover Kit. It brings together movement, craft and coding to help children learn about technology through play. It’s a wearable that isn’t about capturing data and isn’t a fitness trainer. It’s the first of its kind that you can make and code yourself.’