TK - 002 - Smart Kiwi- NFC Brainstorming (Part 1)
Here at ErgoKiwi, we like to think of ourselves as Makers above all else. Our existence lays somewhere between the worlds of technology and classic woodworking, we rely upon innovative technologies everyday; without them the ErgoKiwi would never have been possible.
In that mindset, we wanted to explore how smart technologies might be integrated into the traditional objects we rely upon everyday. While technology is often perceived as intrusive or downright dangerous, there are many ways in which new tech can be seamlessly employed to improve the ways in which we work as opposed to being a hindrance. One such simple technology is NFC (Near Field Comminucation) a very basic and cheap form of wireless data transfer.
What is NFC?
NFC, or near-field communication, is a small, flexible microchip that can store programmable data and can be read by an NFC reader.. like the one in your smartphone. A single NFC sticker, like the ones we are using can hold about 1 megabyte of data, which is small by todays standards, but incredible powerful when you consider what you can do with that much data and an internet connection!
NFC exists all around us: “tap-to-pay” systems like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. If you take public transit, you’re likely interacting with some form of wireless communication everyday. It’s always interesting just how commonplace this technology is, yet common applications are fairly obscure.
http://www.w11stop.com/blogs/nfc-technology-applications/
NFC is a seamless way to connect the physical & digital worlds
While there are a variety of technical reasons as to why NFC stickers are not a commonplace household item, it doesn’t mean that they can be used for personal use all the time. Over the past few years I have always found ways to use NFC in my day-to-day life:
Implanted them in my business card so that with a simple tap a person can have my contact information imported directly to their contact list.
Programmed my Smart lights to turn off in the bedroom when I placed my phone on the bedside table.
A secure way of sharing my WiFi password when a guest comes over.
Works with ErgoKiwi - Brainstorming
So, to start our Smart Kiwi explorations, we began with the simplest, cheapest wireless technology. Ultimately, utilizing NFC devices in our products could be a simple addition and could be added to every Kiwi we sell. The best part is that it would have no effect on the tool, rather, it’s a simple way to find utility without sacrifice.
FIND BLADES NEARBY
As we began to look into the design of a Smart Kiwi, we started to imagine ways that NFC might be useful. For instance, perhaps the ErgoKiwi can show you the closest place to find fresh blades. Have any ideas? Comment below, we would love to know
QUICK ACCESS TO THE FILES YOU NEED
Many ErgoKiwi users are designers that rely heavily on both digital and physical work. For example, as Architects, we understand the burden of trying to print plans but forgetting the file that sets your line weights on a new computer.
What if your ErgoKiwi was able to give you quick access to a file you need?
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CONTACT
One of the most common emails we receive are from users that have lost their Kiwi. We could easy solve this issue if every Kiwi offered an easy way to contact the owner.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Working from our studio, we rarely get enough one-on-one contact with you, which is a huge reason why we wanted to start inviting you to explore our projects with us! Do you have any different ideas? We’d love to start a conversation with you, please, share your thoughts below!
Stay Tuned!