I first started this project because I wanted to create a new object. One that is not another step in an existing product evolution, one that its existence is justified not by it solving a problem, but by evoking an emotional experience, such an experience that is similar to empathy towards a human creature. An object one can relate to because it answers an emotional need, because it's natural, and not

necessarily modern.
It is a known fact that our brain attributes humanity to things that are not necessarily are human, humans look for their reflection in everything, static or dynamic. That fact is the main core of the project. I wanted to bring life into static objects, ones that evoke emotion due to their implicit humanity. Such as these, they live in human environments- computer desk, floor, bookshelf, near our TV or by the bed- they stay there still, awaken in unexpected moments with their surprising random motion and rhythm.
 

The process was intuitive, I wanted to create a simple motion using little effort, free motion but somewhat controlled. I also wanted it to invite one to play with it, to sense it, an object that will earn its value when static as much as when dynamic. I created multiple objects with main body for each one in which there's an engine, battery, motion mechanism and an Arduino board. The main body is surrounded by similar parts- joints that define the sort of movement and the character of the creature. I chose three that I was related to the most, the similarity was there but still, small differences created different personality for each one. The choice to work with a sphere was partly intuitive and partly logical- something in a sphere calls us to hold it, to play with it, its nature is to be constantly on the move. First up, I focused on trying to create some kind of direction to it along with expression, I used distortion, parting, textures, assemble and disassemble. With time I figured the form was supposed to be driven by motion and not the other way around. I then tried to simplify it and work with basic geometry. I decided to focus on each of the objects action and by that distinguish them from one another. 
      
Using strings between the main body and its multiple arms enabled me to associate the object with the warm and emotional world of craft, it made it look less estranged. Here, in addition to the kind of motion, the certain joints I used between the bodies also directed me as i was figuring out the shape of the objects. 

 

The first object, surrounded by smaller spheres, of three sizes, connected by transparent silicon strings, vibrates in various rhythms and intensities. A sense of organized mess is created as we put down the creature, for no matter how we place it the smaller spheres will find their place sliding one on the other, enhancing the motion, like an echo. The transparency of the strings is significant, the vibration sense is intensified by it, one is not entirely sure what causes the smaller spheres to move. The biggest challenge in this object was to work with control and no control, order versus disorder, to design a shape with no directionality. The sockets on the main body surface assisted me in finding that order. 

 

When the second object comes to life it does it by turning around itself, fast or slowly, for a long period of time or short. An optical illusion is created, like a spinning top which rotation is hypnotizing and mesmerizing. The changing of the "legs" appearance as it spins, as well as its internal order, make it human and game-like. I wanted to attribute delicacy to it as wall as intimidation, but in any case- i wanted it to be pleasant to look at when in motion. This objects shape is too directed by its circular movement, which is enabled by the concave bottom part that comes in touch with the surface. It was important to me to indicate an area for the hand by creating a shape the invites it to touch and operate. 

 

Rolling back and forth is the type of movement of the third object. Its arms are consisted of elastic joints. The main body is spherical to make the rolling less mechanic and precise  when it rolls a sense of clumsiness is created, like broken arms being thrown into the air. 

 

The character and humanness, as well as the shape and design, were directed by movement. I wanted to instill natural organic movement to the objects and by that to merge a still object with a living creature. It was important to me to keep a certain level of neutrality in the design and leave room for imagination and interpretation.