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Project Bloks by Google Creative Lab, Paulo Blikstein of Stanford University and IDEO, Global

Kids on the block

By Sophie Holmes 29 : 06 : 2016 Generation I : Project Bloks : Google

Global – Project Bloks is a hardware platform that enables developers to create tactile programming experiences for children.

The system combines computational thinking and physical play
The project is a collaboration between Google Creative Lab, Paulo Blikstein of Stanford University and IDEO

Project Bloks comprises a brain board, base boards and small modules called pucks that can be programmed to carry out different functions. When combined together, the pieces form a set of instructions that can be sent to wifi- and Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The easy-to-use, customisable platform removes the need for developers to spend the kind of time and money that is usually associated with creating tangible programming systems. Project Bloks is compatible with a range of different materials to enable developers to create diverse experiences that help to teach children about programming.

‘It’s about whether we could create an underlying technology to enable researchers, developers and designers to go and make more tangible coding experiences, and push the area forward,’ explains Jayme Goldstein, executive creative director of Google Creative Lab.

The Big Picture

Generation I children have grown up with the internet and coding as the norm, and new learning experiences are emerging to cater for this technology-savvy demographic. To find out more, read our Briefing on the Cubetto toy, which aims to teach the principles of coding to young children.