work

Mylo: a classroom projector every child can play with

An interactive ultra-short-throw projector that turns a desk, floor or wall into a play surface, so children with cerebral palsy can play and learn alongside their classmates.

Role: Industrial design, honours degree project
When: 2018-05

The problem

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Children with it often need individual learning support, which can leave them feeling isolated from their classmates. The exercises that build their muscle control and stability happen outside the school curriculum, and outside the games everyone else plays.

James Dyson Award, Ireland 2018: Top 3; James Dyson Award, Ireland 2018
Exhibited at the Design Research Society conference: DRS 2018; Exhibited at the Design Research Society conference

The idea

Mylo is an interactive ultra-short-throw projector for the classroom. It turns a desk, the floor or a wall into a touch surface with games and activities that build fine and gross motor skills. Any child can join in, whatever their physical ability.

Mylo projecting a game library onto a wall and onto a desk

Inside Mylo

The rotating lens lets one device project onto a wall, desk or floor. A camera and IR sensor track touch and movement.

Exploded view: rotating lens, projector module, motor, fan, PCB, camera and IR sensor, speaker and housings — Exploded view.

Teachers and parents

A companion tablet app manages the activity library, individual profiles, and progress reports on inclusion and performance.

Accessories include a stand for wall projection and playful protective cases that give Mylo a character.

Mylo wall stand and character protective cases

Process

Concept sketches exploring form, mounting and classroom use — Sketchwork and concept generation.