Osmo is an active-play modular gaming system that consists of wall pieces with rapidly appearing lights and interactive game controllers. We conducted user research to understand what active play was and what market we wanted to explore. Ultimately the space we decided to focus on were ages 13+, specifically in fun, social settings.

With our intended market in mind, we ideated over 120+ concepts. The concept we believed best met our design criteria was a fast paced, reaction time game with different lights the lit up that had to be jabbed with a peg. The peg, which later became an interactive controller, allowed us to create distinct game modes that differentiate users. This differentiation allows for both cooperative and collaborative play. We refined this concept, Osmo, into three components: the Os-core, the Os-mods, and the Osmotes.

Now that our ‘what’ was figured out, it became a question of how. We explored different technical solutions to create our high-speed game. IR emitters in each light on the wall pieces are received by IR receivers in the Osmote. These receivers communicate with the Os-core piece using radio signal to determine if players have hit the target or missed.

To create our models we used a variety of techniques, including: 3D printing, silicone over-molding, laser cutting, and spray-painting. Our models were designed with technology integration in mind. We were able to include lights, haptics, and satisfying clickable buttons to simulate Osmo in it’s completed state.

Watch this instructional video!