Tomorrow Lab is fascinated with the humanization of technology through making it more basic and more tangible.

It's amazing what information personal computers can provide us, however they require a certain dull method of use. Instead of sitting inches from a computer monitor, people could get their information by simply glancing at artifacts in their environment. I want tangible devices to become common household objects because they can get us OFF the computer.

The original prototypes shown here document thoughtful explorations in making tangible electronic devices. Each combines smart programming methods with common electronic devices to deliver new tangible interaction opportunities to low-complexity digital tasks. Examples include email notification, playing music, and storage volume display.

Each instance serves as an example of how we can pull specific information retrieval activities off of the computer and into the physical environment, be it home, or office. In doing so, the paradigm of the personal computer as the central portal to control and monitor electronic activities can slowly be dissolved. The information can be distributed into our environment and into existing or new designed objects. This future vision carries with it an opportunity for more understanding, more flexibility, and more humanity in our interactions with technology and information.