Code Jumper
Microsoft
Code Jumper is a revolutionary tool that provides an engaging way to allow blind and partially sighted students to learn computer programming at an early age. Brightly coloured plastic pods with oversized buttons and knobs are connected by “jumper cables” to physically create computer code that can tell stories, make music, and even crack jokes.
CES Award Winner!
Code Jumper has been awarded the prestigious Best of Innovation award at CES!
The Brief
Redesign the entire physical product to be inclusive, fun and intuitive for both blind and partially sighted children, as well as teachers and assistants. Users must be able to differentiate between each pod and identify the functionality.
Starting Point
Microsoft Research designed and developed the software, PCB’s and an early physical prototype. We were given access to the prototype and early user testing feedback.
Deliverable
A fully functional final product, ready for plastic injection moulded mass manufacture.
From Concept Sketches to Injection Moulded Production
Throughout this project we collaborated closely with Microsoft’s research team to create a final product that was manufacturable and suitable for use in schools and teaching environments.
Most importantly, these designs needed to provide an intuitive and usable physical representation of the programming language they represent and control (play, pause, loop, reverse, etc). This was achieved by progressing the designs through a continuous series of iterative improvements, from initial sketches and schematics, right through to final production ready CAD data and test prototypes.
Early concept sketches and ideation of pod form.
Rapid 3D CAD form development.
Production ready CAD files.
SLS nylon 3D printed prototypes for usability testing.
First shot plastic injection moulded parts.
Sold worldwide throughout North America, Europe and Australia
Code Jumper Online And In The Press
CES, WINNER - Best of Innovation 2020
MICROSOFT, With Code Jumper, experts look to jumpstart computer science interest for kids who are blind
BBC, Microsoft's pods teach blind children how to code
THE VERGE, Microsoft is helping visually impaired children learn to code with physical blocks
TECH CRUNCH, Microsoft’s Code Jumper makes programming physical for children with visual impairments
FAST COMPANY, These tactile blocks teach blind kids to code
SLASHGEAR, Microsoft Code Jumper is a physical programming tool for blind kids
GIZMODO, Microsoft Is Expanding Its Classroom Cred
ENGADGET, Microsoft expands its programming language for visually impaired kids
