Review Fix chats with HugMatch’s Chloe Koo to find out all about the awesome Toy line and why they’re special. Koo also discusses what the brand has in store for this year’s Maker Faire Coney Island.
About Chloe Koo:
Chloe Koo is an award-winning designer based in New York City, focusing on user experience and interaction and visual design. She is an Interaction Design manager at Samsung Electronics who is creating a future of productivity and collaboration in mobile experiences. Chloe also founded HugMatch, an interactive toy app for visually-impaired children. She has experience in digital platforms, such as the Amazon ecosystem and AI-based IBM Watson imaging viewers. She completed her MFA in Design and Technology from the Parsons School of Design, and she is now studying for her Ed.M in art and art education at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Her experience has led her to speak at various design conferences, organizations, and companies, including IBM, the NYC Department of Education, Seoul National University Asia Center, The HCI Society of Korea, and various Maker Faires across the country. She is also a mentor and guest speaker at AIGA, New York University, Parsons School of Design, Binghamton University, and The New York Public Library. Her work has been exhibited and screened at the Boston Children’s Museum, the Independence Seaport Museum, Liberty Science Center, the New York Hall of Science, the Garner Arts Center, the Long Island Explorium, and at CUNY City Tech.
Review Fix: What do you make?
Chloe Koo: HugMatch provides early childhood education content and multi-sensory experiences through mobile apps and interactive toys to help them explore the world around them while they feel connected and have fun. Interactive toys help visually-impaired children develop their sense of hearing and touch is most stimulated for their development. Personalized educational apps, including stories and per-themed games, will help children develop their five senses through reading experiences, under global issues such as Climate Change, and also learn body senses.
Review Fix: Why do you make it?
Koo: Growing up in South Korea, I witnessed my uncle’s struggles with a disability, The visual interaction designer wanted to find some way to help. Seeing the challenges my uncle had to overcome really pushed me to create something emotionally rich and grounded in meaning. I wanted to create a toys and mobile app that would focus on the things visually-impaired children usually lack, such as the understanding of an object, communications skills, and social interaction with peers. HugMatch encourages these children to make connections and build relationships with one another.
Review Fix: What are your goals with it?
Koo: HugMatch brings unparalleled storytelling and impactful learning to children with disabilities through innovative technologies and creative content. We hope that the HugMatch story will excite and inspire others to chase their dreams and leave indelible marks on the visually impaired community.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Koo: Please visit our website or social media to hear more news about HugMatch!
Review Fix: What do you plan on doing at this year’s Maker Faire?
Koo: We’ll participate in two areas: a maker booth and a presentation/speaker session. In our booth, we demo your mobile app and brand new VR prototype and speaker session. We’ll share our HugMatch character story, climate change, and global warming issues during the ‘HugMatch Earth: A Digital Sensory Playground’ presentation on Sunday at 2 pm.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Koo: We keep developing our project and planning on launching a startup campaign. We’ll share with you details on the Maker Faire event! Please come and see our project!
About Maker Faire Coney Island:
Maker Faire Coney Island is a one-of-a-kind interactive event that celebrates the ingenuity and passion of makers across diverse disciplines. With a rich lineup of exhibits, workshops, and demonstrations, the event promises to inspire, educate, and entertain attendees of all ages. The event is set to take place from October 6-8, 2023, at various iconic venues within Coney Island.
Get Your Tickets Now: Ticket Purchase
Follow us on the following social media sites for the latest updates and sneak peeks.
Website: https://coneyisland.makerfaire.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerfaireconeyisland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MakerFaireConey
Volunteer options available – earn free tickets & merch: https://coneyisland.makerfaire.com/volunteer/
Schools & NFPs get free 8’x3′ tables while space is still available – please sign our call for makers: https://coneyisland.makerfaire.com/call-for-makers/
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