Tiny familiar robots discusses how the Internet of Things allows digital information to be connected to physical objects. This changes how stories are told and economies are built using data. It also influences decisions about ourselves and the environment. Various methods are described for associating digital content with objects, from early coded methods to QR codes, RFID, barcodes, and bespoke devices. How data from connected objects can help understand issues like the environment and inform future policy. The digital lives of these objects and how they provide information about online interactions are also discussed.

1. Tiny familiar robots Thoughts on the world of the internet of things. designswarm // RIG London

2. Internet of things Letting the internet & technology change our relationship to the physical world through complex interactions. It affects how we tell stories , how we build new economies on top of data and shapes decision-making about ourselves and our environment.

3. How do you tell stories with objects?

4. Use what we have at hand

5. Magic wands What is the function of these objects as objects that allow us to connect or identify with ourselves and each other. What do they say about us?

6. Codes The initial version of ThingLink (circa 2007) was a coded way of attaching information to the physical world.

7. QR Codes Tricky little things but can be applied in more creative ways.

9. RFID Mir:ror was founded by Violet to use RFID stickers to attach digital content to objects. Largely replaced by semacodes at the moment.

10. Barcodes The initial version of Stickybits (2009) allowed you to associate content or links with bar codes.

11. Bespoke devices Using older device interfaces to connect to a local network. this will dissapear to be replaced by a smart phone.

12. How do these objects help me understand complex issues?

13. Data for the environment We have access to more information about our surroundings than ever before.

14. Or create products that allow a market to develop quickly because of ease Of use.

15. Data for near future policy The trick is to make that data tell a story, change policy, highlight a problem. Geiger counters are impossible to find online now.

16. What is the digital life of those objects?

17. Data for the unhealthy Fitbit is an exercise and sleep tracker that talks to your laptop quickly and easily.

24. What do these objects tell me about online?

27. LikeLight The DIY project lights up a physical button when people like a page on FB

28. Like card Renault connected an RFID card to a FB page “like” at a car show

29. Nokia Push N900 Tinker + Hyper Happen 2009-

36. > N900 Snowboard demo

39. Nearly there…

40. Mobile replaces products The mobile app market will swallow the market of specialised products for amateurs.

41. Data in the future RFID implants for recreational / security purposes are getting common. They are free for dogs after all.

42. Changing the nature of humanity When people are lead to understand each other in terms of parameters, how do we build long-term interactions.

43. Make the maths make sense Online dating continues to mathematicise serendipity.

44. Data will replace us Data is driving generative online personalities seeing the end of empty marketing personas.

46. Lying will become difficult Infrastructures will adapt quickly.

47. A losing industrial system The disappearance of jobs based on paperwork.

48. Critics are everywhere Mashups highlight difficult social scenarios that become part of life in the 21 st century.

49. New tools for innovation Google IO ADK will change the landscape of objects built with intelligence.

50. Some thoughts.

51. How much does it cost? More than you think but less than a TV ad.

52. How do I know how many people have interacted with the installation, object, environment? Physically measure it or ask them to check-in!

53. If you know how many people are in the room, how does your interaction change? Yes. Design for one & design for many.

54. Why augment a physical object? Think of why a connection to the internet matters or when it doesn’t.

55. Get product designers & hackers involved. Think of the long tail of a campaign.

56. Thank you! @iotwatch [email_address] [email_address] designswarm // RIG London