“Kids should be outside kicking balls around, not inside staring at more screens!” is a regular complaint about children’s apps. But what if they’re outside kicking a ball around that they’ve programmed using an iPad app?
That’s the pitch for Hackaball, a project trying to raise $100k on crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Described as “a programmable ball for active and creative play”, it has already raised more than $12k towards its goal.
The device is aimed at six- to 10-year-old children: the age group that since September has been learning programming skills in England as part of the new primary computing curriculum.
The ball is fitted with motion-detecting sensors that track whether it’s still or moving, as well as whether it’s being dropped, bounced, kicked or shaken.
However, it is up to children to come up with games by modifying the ball’s behaviour – including sounds, lights and “rumble patterns” – using its app, unlocking new features the more they use it.
The company behind Hackaball is selling the first 500 for $65 through Kickstarter, but it will cost $69 after that point. The product is expected to ship in December.
Hackaball says that making an Android version of its app will be one of its goals if it exceeds its Kickstarter target. The company is hoping parents will see its device as both a way to get children more active, and fuel their interest in programming.
“Hackaball teaches the basics of programming and how technology works without kids even realising it. It’s learning through play,” says the Kickstarter pitch.
In that aim, Hackaball certainly isn’t alone. Other examples include build-it-yourself computer Kano; Play-i’s programmable Bo and Yana robots; iPad gaming accessory Osmo and learn-to-code apps Tynker, ScratchJr and Hakitzu Elite.
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