Innovative design MA student Lee Wei Chen from Kingston University has created a game concept that, as you play, will wash your clothes. The idea came to Chen when she realized that playing video games wasn’t really providing her with skills in the real world. ‘I realized that the skills I had developed in the virtual world were useless in the real world. I wanted to make them useful,’
The game/washing machine Chen has created looks like an arcade-style video console, but the bottom half of the unit is a washing machine. If you play the game and win, your clothes will be washed; play badly, and your clothes will remain stinky.
Combining Fun with Functionality
Chen’s innovative design is a brilliant example of combining fun with functionality. The concept of integrating a video game with a household chore like laundry is not only unique but also addresses a common issue faced by many: the monotony of household tasks. By turning a mundane activity into an engaging game, Chen has managed to create a product that could potentially revolutionize how we approach daily chores.
The arcade-style console is designed to be user-friendly and engaging. Players are motivated to perform well in the game to ensure their clothes are cleaned. This adds an element of excitement and competition to the otherwise dull task of doing laundry. Imagine coming home after a long day and instead of dreading the pile of dirty clothes, you look forward to playing a game that will take care of it for you.
Potential Impact and Future Applications
Chen’s concept has the potential to inspire a new wave of multifunctional household appliances. The idea of gamifying chores could be extended to other household tasks such as dishwashing, vacuuming, or even cooking. For instance, a dishwasher that requires you to solve puzzles to start the cleaning cycle or a vacuum cleaner that operates based on your performance in a fitness game could make daily chores more enjoyable and less of a burden.
Moreover, this concept could have significant implications for educational tools and rehabilitation devices. For example, children could learn essential life skills through interactive games that teach them how to cook, clean, or manage their finances. Similarly, rehabilitation devices for patients recovering from injuries could incorporate gaming elements to make physical therapy exercises more engaging and less tedious.
Chen’s concept will be on display this week alongside other Kingston University MA students’ coursework as part of the London Design Festival at Tent, the Truman Brewery, from September 22 – 25th. This exhibition provides a platform for innovative designers like Chen to showcase their work and gain recognition in the design community.
The London Design Festival is known for highlighting cutting-edge designs and creative solutions to everyday problems. Chen’s game/washing machine is a perfect fit for this event, as it embodies the spirit of innovation and practical application. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to see this unique creation in action and perhaps even try their hand at the game.
Source: Design Week : Kotak
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
