Floppy disks turn out to be the greatest TV remote for kids (blog.smartere.dk)

Article summary

The author created a unique TV remote control for their 3-year-old son using floppy disks, allowing him to independently choose what to watch. The system uses a microcontroller to read the disks and send commands to a Chromecast. The author's goal was to provide a tangible and physical way for their child to interact with the TV, rather than using complicated remotes or mobile phones. The project also aimed to teach the child about agency and independence.

Main themes

• Parenting and technology
• User experience design
• Nostalgia and retro technology
• Child development and education
• DIY projects and maker culture

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that the project is a great way to teach children about technology and independence, while others think it is unnecessary and that parents should focus on face-to-face interaction with their kids.
• The use of floppy disks as a TV remote control is seen as a creative solution to the problem of complicated modern TV interfaces, but some argue that it is fragile and prone to damage.
• There is a debate about whether technology is replacing parenting, with some arguing that it can be a useful tool for teaching children, while others believe it is a hindrance to proper parenting.
• Some commenters share their own experiences with programming VCRs and other older technologies, highlighting the difficulties and frustrations that come with using complex devices, especially for older generations.
• The discussion also touches on the issue of user experience design, with some arguing that modern devices are not designed with older generations in mind, and that simplicity and ease of use are often overlooked in favor of features and functionality.
• Others argue that the problem is not with the technology itself, but with the lack of effort and patience from users, particularly older generations, who may not be willing to learn new things or adapt to new interfaces.