digiPlaySpace: an interactive playground for kids

 

By Sonya Davidson

The fourth annual digiPlaySpace exhibition is getting ready to wow kids, families and interactive media lovers once again. The award-winning, hands-on technology playground opens to the public at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto from March 7 to April 19, 2015. It's a definite must see & do in the city!

The 2015 exhibition features engaging interactive fun stations created by some of the world's most innovative gaming, robotics, artists and app developers. Numerous installations are making world premiere's here at digiPlaySpace.

I had a chance to check out some of the installations and had way too much fun during media preview. Some of the highlights include...

Sago Mini Fairy Tales and Friends: This highly-acclaimed Canadian children's app developer (Sago Sago) has taken the experience outside of the device and into the digiPlaySpace for the youngest visitors. This magical installation is sweet with an interactive component that takes the fun of a "peek a boo" game to a new level. While your little one waits, there are iPads loaded with Sago apps to play. 

Pop and Lock Dance Machine: By artist Catshrine (Canada) uses the world of animation to make anyone look like they can groove to the music. Step into the spotlight, choose your dance and your dancing partners. Follow the moves and within seconds you'll have your spot on stage. Take a recording and show share on social media and everyone will swear you're the next Beyonce. (see mine on Instagram @theculturepearl)

aMUSEing Wonderland: By Artist InteraXon proves that our brainwaves have the power to control. With the use of Brain-Sensing Headband, this relaxing interactive installation uses EEG to read the user's brainwaves to control activity on screen. The more relaxed and focused you are, the more interesting things happen on the landscape in front of you.

hitchBOT: by artists David Smith and Frauke Zeller (Canada) features a loveable outgoing robot created by reaearches form McMaster University, Ryerson University and Unviersity of Toronto. hitchBOT has been hitch-hiking across Canada and the world meeting new friends.

Visitors can hang out and have a conversation with hitchBOT to explore the possibility of human-robot interactions. It's also a test whether or not robots can trust humans. Interesting thought!

There are many, many great installations at the digiPlaySpace including the 'CREATURES' installation where your body is projected in form of a 'creature' on screen and it will mimic your movements - great selfie station!

I also loved the 'Push Me Pull You: Dogs' game where two-headed dogs try to corral the ball away from opponents to gain points. Be warned...it's highly addictive!

Kids will also love the get creative with the Kids' Micro Maker's creative workshop space that's all about DIY.

Discover what you would sound like if you were a robot and of course, the TIFF KIDS APPCADE is a perfect resting spot with over 30 apps (grouped by age) loaded onto iPads and carefully selected by the TIFF Kids APPvisory Committee, a panel of experts specializing in children's media, education and the interactive community.  

Lots here so be prepared to get busy! 

For more information visit tiff.net