Ren

Side Project

2018–2019

For the second iteration I'm exploring translucent materials to reveal the contents.

First version of 'Ren' was a solid RAL 1003 Signal Yellow.

Exploring what a smart speaker for my toddler daughter Nora might look like. Designed hardware and software and built a fully functional prototype. I’m currently working on the second iteration for Nora’s little sister.

The design is a reference to Centre Pompidou in Paris, which exposes the infrastructure on the outside of the building (and which absolutely blew my mind the first time I saw it).

Based on a Raspberry Pi Zero accessing the Google Assistant API via Python, but with a middle layer that gives me control (as a parent) to moderate use and steer conversations. And most importantly, block all Baby Shark requests.