Brightbox
An interactive learning kit that teaches optics to grade-schoolers.
Brightbox is a hands-on optics lab for grade school children without access to electricity. It was made for rural schoolhouses participating in Agastya International Foundation’s Lab-in-a-Box program. I conceptualized, prototyped, and tested earlier versions of the Brightbox as an engineer and project lead when it was a low-budget volunteer effort.
The idea behind this educational toy is simple - three beams of light shine onto a board. Students, equipped with a kit of lenses, mirrors, and prisms, engage in hands-on activities and learn the principles of optics.
Design goals
- Interactive
- Kid-sized
- Solar-powered
- Durable
- Affordable
Outcomes
In a year and a half, my team solved various technical challenges with the previous Brightbox prototypes, made plans for manufacturing, and assembled media for future marketing campaigns. The summer following my graduation, I advised the new team as the project was integrated into Olin's Affordable Design and Entrepreneurship senior capstone.
Read more about:
- Forming the beams
- Rechargeable light system!
- User testing with kids
Sponsors
