Hymer Connect
make the motorhome experience easier
Yoto Player
Enable kids to play & learn with independence.
DATE 2019
MATURITY LEVEL READY
DESIGNED BY pentagram
Branding by pentagram
Yoto player is a connected, screen-free audio device that kids can fully control using physical cards.
Inspired by Montessori teachings that emphasize tactile learning and encourage kids to have a level of independence, the cards are loaded with songs, audiobooks, and podcasts to let kids choose what they want to listen to.
experience epics
click and discover use cases
experiential setup
AUDIO PLAYER
stereo audio, 2 speaker Ø40 mm, 3W
CONTENT IDENTIFICATION
NFC cards
LIVE STREAMING
Wi-Fi connectivity
POWER MANAGEMENT
rechargeable lithium ion battery, 2500mAh + wireless charging
TOUCH DISPLAY
parent’s smartphone
GUI
Yoto app
DISPLAY
16 x 16 pixel matrix colour display
GUI
16 x 16 pixel animations
PHYSICAL INPUT
2 push and twist buttons
LIGHTING
LED strip
MEDIA LIBRARY
Yoto’s server with Yoto cards content and own content
OBJECT CONFIGURATION
epic1
Provide safe inspiring content for children
use case
Cards with content for kids
The cards with Yoto content are divided into six categories: Stories, Music, Podcast, Activities, Sound Effects and Radio. They can be bought in Yoto Card Store. The family can also subscribe to the Yoto Club to receive a selection of new content four times a year.
use case
Live streaming content
Kids can listen to Yoto radio, Yoto’s in-house kids radio station -> listen now. Plus, a mini podcast episode is delivered every day, it’s the Yoto Daily -> listen here
use case
Personalized content
Parents can purchase a ‘Make Your Own’ card which allows children to draw and upload homemade content. It can link to anything: recorded bedtime stories, radio station or podcast, CDs or MP3s selection, music lessons…
use case
Content & setting management for parents
Parents can download the Yoto App. It allows to manage content and remotly control the player: all the titles can be played through the app.
epic2
Enable kids to play and focus on audio content
use case
Content playing with physical cards
On top of the player, there is a slot for inserting audio cards. When a card is in, the audio starts playing. If the card is taken out, the audio stops. If the same card is placed back in the slot, the audio will start where it stopped.
use case
Audio control with two buttons
Two simple push and twist buttons allow playback and control of audio. The left knob for volume, the right knob to skip a chapter. One push on the right launches the Yoto Daily, two push the Yoto Radio.
use case
Visual feedback
A 16 x 16-pixel colour display shines through the front surface of the device, providing feedback and interactive content without being distracting.
epic3
Provide a device that supports kids through days and nights
use case
Portable player
The device has a battery that allow 3 hours of autonomy for kids to play anywhere they want. Once they are done they can re-charge the device by simply placing it on it’s magnetic dock.
use case
Personalized clock
When Yoto is not playing audio it displays the time. Parents can set the night-time and day-time, to display the sun or moon at the right time.
use case
Nightlight
Turning the device on its face launches a special bedtime mode with the display put to sleep and the rear nightlight activated. To turn the nightlight off, kids just have to stand Yoto Player upright again. The nightlight colour can be change with the Yoto app.
food for thoughts ...
How to design experiences that prioritize kids being in control?
Does simplicity of interaction rely on the choice of limiting features?
What about the same type of physical interaction for adults or something different than an audio player?
How can a focus on physical interaction for smart device bring magic to the experience?
How to make tangible the notion of ownership and authorization that tends to be vague with digital content?
You worked on this project? Any comment or request?
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