Introduction

Turning the real environment into a playground is a fascinating idea to us. It leaded us to think about the interactions between toy to toy and toy to its surroundings. In the mean time, we would also like to provide children the experience of exploration and imagination over the real world.

What it is?

Bubo is a toy owl with "magic" power that can cast spells and take control over innocent devices or other toys in its surroundings. Spells are hidden in surrounding infrared remote controls, waiting to be picked up by Bubo. As the kid and Bubo explore the environment and collect spells, the stories of the magic world will be revealed.

When two owls meet, they are aware of each other's presence. They can engage in a wizardry battle for superiority. Once the owl is cast by a spell, it either temporarily loses its ability or reacts to that spell as though possessed with specific audio or tactile feedback. This effect won't disappear until a counter spell is cast. If the counter spell is not cast on time, the owl may get amnesia and lose some spells.

Play Scenario

The movie on the right illustrates an owl battle, blue owl vs. red owl.

Prototype

The prototype is made with Wiring.

Press

We Make Money Not Art, February 17, 2006
Makezine, February 17, 2006
Gizmodo, February 18, 2006

Info

February 2005
Mattel Design Summit 2005
Play Experiences for the Next Generation

Type: Toy

With Oren Horev

Faculty: Jan-Christoph Zoels, Ralph Ammer, Yaniv Steiner

Visiting Faculty: Christine Modica, Pinar Nur, Giorgio Olivero, Stephan Huber

Mattel: Chris Down, Jason Eddy, Peter Helenek, Tim Parsey, Joy Mountford