The Memo – Interactive playground equipment that is used worldwide
In today’s digital world, children are spending less time playing outside. This leads to a decline in physical activity, motor skills and social interaction. This shift has significant implications for their physical and mental well-being. To address this challenge, KITT Engineering, in collaboration with Lappset, has developed innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate technology with playground equipment. One of these groundbreaking interactive play structures is the Memo.
This solution is designed to engage children of all ages in a way that combines play, learning and movement. The Memo encourages children to be active, interact with others and develop essential skills in a fun and engaging environment. This is done by transforming traditional outdoor play into a dynamic and immersive experience.
The Memo – What is it and how does it work?
The Memo is a state-of-the-art interactive playground system designed to make outdoor play both fun and educational. It consists of seven interactive play poles, each equipped with a touch-sensitive LED screen that is visible from all angles. Integrated speakers enhance the experience by providing game sounds and instructions. At the heart of the playfield stands the master pole, which features a push button for game selection. With just a press, children can choose from a variety of engaging games.
Many of the games are designed to be played together, encouraging teamwork and active learning. Children can challenge themselves and their friends with arithmetic puzzles, memory games, alphabet sequencing, route-planning activities, and much more. As new games are continuously developed and added via software updates, the Memo remains fresh, exciting, and full of new experiences, ensuring that outdoor play never loses its appeal.
About Lappset, our partner in interactive playgrounds
Lappset, formerly known as Yalp, began its journey by furnishing schoolyards and parks, selling and assembling playground equipment on-site. Around the same time, KITT Engineering collaborated with the Hengelo Building Foundation in the Netherlands on an innovative project called “Our Interest.” This project introduced a unique interactive music wall, allowing both children and adults to create music simply by moving in front of it.
Using a camera-based motion detection system, movements were translated into sound through a computer, MIDI, and a sampler. The generated audio was then played through two built-in ground speakers, creating an immersive and playful musical experience. This project showcased the potential of technology and interactivity in public spaces, laying the foundation for future innovations in interactive play.
KITT Engineering and Lappset – The origin of the partnership
At the time, Director Andries Lohmeijer reached out to Yalp (now Lappset) because their expertise was essential in developing the interactive music wall project. This collaboration sparked inspiration within Lappset to integrate interactivity into playground equipment. Motivated by the idea that technology can be fun outdoors, Lappset and KITT Engineering partnered to develop interactive play equipment. Doing so, they hoped to encourage children and young people to play outside more often. While technology is often associated with indoor screen time, they aimed to shift this perception by bringing digital interactivity outside.
Outdoor play not only makes technology engaging in an open environment but also promotes exercise and movement. This is crucial for children’s physical and mental well-being. While primarily designed for outdoor use, some interactive play installations can also be placed indoors. Today, Lappset’s interactive playground equipment can be found worldwide, with the Memo already installed in over 40 locations in the Netherlands alone.
Encouraging playing outside with the Memo
Lappset and KITT have developed a digital playground solution with the Memo, designed to encourage interaction, movement and playful learning. Originally developed for schoolyards, the Memo has since found its place in community centers, public parks, and other social spaces.
The Memo’s core strength is its ability to combine education with physical activity, making learning an engaging and social experience. This is particularly valuable in neighborhoods with low youth health scores. Here, the Memo is actively used as a preventive tool to promote exercise, cognitive development, and social interaction among children.
KITT Engineering’s role in developing the Memo
The Memo was developed through a close collaboration between KITT Engineering and Lappset. While Lappset was responsible for the mechanical design and structural aspects, KITT Engineering focused on the electronics. For example, by integrating sensors, actuators, and connectivity into the interactive play posts.
The development of the Memo followed an iterative approach, where multiple versions were created to refine its technology. This method allowed for the identification and resolution of technical challenges within individual components early on.
Developing the Memo step by step
KITT Engineering’s R&D department primarily focused on the electronic and IT components of the Memo. This was done to ensure that the technology behind the interactive play system was as robust and effective as possible. To develop the Memo, the team adopted a modular approach. Each function of the Memo pole was developed and tested individually before being incrementally merged.
This approach allowed the team to assess each feature separately before combining them into the final design. It also helped to mitigate risks, because any potential issues with individual components were identified early in the process. This incremental development not only improved the success rate of the final product. It also enhanced efficiency, allowing for a smoother integration of all elements while minimizing the risk of errors.
Assesment of individual functions
To assess the individual functions of the Memo, KITT Engineering begins by considering the technologies they already have in-house. These existing solutions are evaluated first to determine if they can be applied to the specific needs of the Memo.
In cases where the required technology is not available within the current portfolio, KITT Engineering takes a two-pronged approach:
- Development kits are purchased to prototype and test new functionalities quickly.
- If necessary, new technologies are developed internally within KITT Engineering to meet the specific requirements of the Memo.
Some of these existing components include:
- LED Screen: KITT Engineering develops LED solutions for different industries, so this technology was readily available. The existing LED screens could be immediately evaluated for use in the Memo, reducing development time and resources.
- Touch Technology: To make the Memo’s screen interactive, KITT Engineering tested various touch technologies. After evaluating the options, a prototype PCB (Printed Circuit Board) was created to test the most suitable touch technology for the Memo.
- Control Computer: For controlling the Memo’s interactive elements, KITT Engineering purchased stand-alone control units. These units were adapted to suit the Memo’s needs. They were hand-picked for managing the complex functionalities of interactive playground equipment.
- Sound: To ensure optimal audio output, KITT Engineering tested a variety of speakers for both sound quality and waterproofness. This testing was crucial to ensure that sounds from the Memo were audible, even when exposed to outdoor conditions.
By leveraging these existing components, KITT Engineering was able to streamline the development process. We could focus resources on integration and refinement rather than reinventing the wheel.
Merging individual features and field testing
After individually assessing and testing the various components, KITT Engineering and Lappset assembled the first functional prototype of the Memo. This prototype was then tested to evaluate the functionality of the components and the practicality of the Memo on a playground.
The first version of the Memo was launched in collaboration with Delft University of Technology. It was placed in a playground near the university specifically designed for research and testing. This location was ideal because it allowed for controlled observations, where researchers could gather feedback based on real-world interactions. The playground’s purpose as a testing and observation space made it an excellent environment for evaluating the Memo’s performance. It was the perfect place to collect data and refining the design.
The prototype testing was crucial for identifying any potential issues and gaining insights from users. These issues were then used to further develop the Memo, enhancing its overall functionality, interactivity, and durability. These insights helped guide the Memo’s evolution, ensuring that the final product would be a successful piece of playground equipment.
From prototype to final product
After testing the prototype and making the necessary adjustments, KITT Engineering and Lappset moved forward to develop the first real playground equipment version of the Memo. This phase involved turning the individual components into a fully integrated and manufacturable product.
The development process involved several key steps:
- LED Screen and Touch Technology: The LED screen and touch technology were combined onto a custom PCB, designed to be bendable for 360-degree visibility. This made the screen interactive from all angles, crucial for the Memo’s function as a dynamic playground tool.
- Power Supply and Control: A separate PCB was developed for managing the power supply, screen control, and audio playback. This ensured that all electrical components would work seamlessly together, providing smooth operation in outdoor environments.
- Game Control and Connectivity: Another PCB was created to handle the games, control of the posts, and internet connectivity. This allowed the Memo to interact in real-time with players, enabling online updates and new games to be easily integrated.
- Integration with Mechanical Parts: Finally, these individual PCBs and components were merged with the mechanical parts developed by Lappset into the final product. The integration ensured that all elements worked together to create a durable and engaging playground piece.
By combining these technologies, KITT Engineering and Lappset succeeded in creating the Memo. The Memo was ready for use in parks, schoolyards, and other public spaces to encourage playful learning among children.
The Memo contributes to KITT Engineering’s positive impact on society
KITT Engineering’s expertise in technological development attracts many companies, as it combines innovation with social responsibility. This principle is integral not only to the company’s operations but also to the way KITT Engineering approaches collaborations and final products. A critical eye is cast on how the company’s methods impact society, ensuring that their technological advancements leave a positive mark.
Both KITT and Lappset prioritize social responsibility in their business practices, which has been key to their productive collaboration. By integrating technology with play and sports, Lappset encourages children to be more active. This approach helps children not only develop motor skills but also fosters a healthy, active lifestyle.
At KITT Engineering, we are incredibly proud to contribute to this mission. Through our technological expertise, we help create solutions that support youth health and encourage active, social play in public spaces. By working with Lappset, we continue to make a difference in the lives of children worldwide.