MyKid-netic

This project is a semester-long research journey of surveillance tools, child care techniques, for parents to protect and micro-manage their kids. B.F.A. Design student Chloe Kim wanted to explore the design process of a speculative/conceptual design. Her main inspiration was from the population surge of surveillance devices in China, where they monitor children in grade school to see how focused they are during class. She was also inspired by the show “Black Mirror” (specifically the episode “Arkangel”).

MyKid-netic is an arm band that the child will wear throughout the day so that the parent(s) will be able to monitor the child and their activity throughout the duration of them wearing the device. Some key concepts: the device has a LED screen for the children to play games as well as for the parents. There are buttons for the children to use to play games on their device. The parents will also have a separate app on their smartphones to monitor their child.

The name "MyKid-netic" is essentially a play on words by combining the word "My kid" with "cybernetic." This device monitors a child, but the parent is in control. The device is worn by the child 24/7, almost becoming a part of them, a part of who they are. Cybernetic describes an automated technology, and with this project Chloe wanted to raise the scenario of children being in contact with technology and the combination of the two.