Hasta La Ideas

In addition to the 3D display hacked from a Wiimote that netted Johnny Chung Lee 7+ million views on YouTube (and a blog post from us) last year, the homebrew technology superhero posted another, slightly lesser known Wiimote hack wherein he turns a projection of a computer screen into an interactive whiteboard. For fans of his other stuff, it’s a must view, even if it garnered just a paltry 2 million hits:

For interactive technology specialists, this is perhaps the most intriguing of Lee’s demonstrations. Portland-based Tinder Labs was inspired enough by the implications to start experimenting with it themselves, and shared the results with Core77. Tinder partner Richard Fox showed us the prototype they set up in their office, using two Wiimotes this time so that multiple users can mess with the screen simultaneously without blocking the tracking ability of the unit’s camera:

Tinder’s interest in the technology, and the direction in which they’re attempting to extend Lee’s concept, is in using it as a long-distance collaborative tool. Like many design studios, Tinder relies heavily on the whiteboard as a tool for exploring concepts with clients and collaborators, and hopes to create a scenario in which multiple parties in multiple locations can all work on the same large screen simultaneously, reducing the need for long-haul travel while still affording the rapid exchange of ideas physical proximity allows.

Interesting idea, and one they’re hoping to perfect and start applying later on this year. Follow their efforts on Tinder’s blog here.

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