Suicide prevention charity R U OK? has partnered with WPP digital agency Fusion to create a fully connected device designed to spark conversations.
The gadget comes in the form of a large question mark ‘character’ called Quentin. It's is a fully connected Internet of Things (IoT) object with a small computer called an Arduino, which will call on members of the public to start conversations with those around them.
To create Quentin, Fusion utilised 3D-printing and machining to design Quentin with a translucent skin that holds an array of low power LED lights that allow him to animate, glow and communicate.
Users can interact with Quentin through SMS on their phone or shake him to get an R U OK? challenge. Quentin has the ability to publish his activity to the R U OK? website, including kilometres travelled, challenges issued and number of keepers.
R U OK?Day is tomorrow and to ensure the charity's message gets more traction than just one day, Quentin is going on a tour around Australia and will be passed on from person to person once the previous minder of Quentin has completed the duty they were given. Quentin has been tasked with starting a million conversations.
Fusion's Sydney managing director, John Chaplin, said the simple need of getting people to communicate more was what drove the highly technical solution.
“Technology is an amazing thing and has enabled us to create a groundbreaking and interactive way for people to reconnect with their family and friends. Our team has pushed the boundaries of 3D printing, mobile, SMS automation and micro-electronics to create a piece of interactive art that will help start a million conversations.”
Quentin starts his Australian journey at Bondi Icebergs Sydney tomorrow with former rugby league player Wendell Sailor and former boxer Garth Wood as his first keepers. The two are good mates and R U OK? ambassadors.
As the journey around Australia progresses, Quentin’s technology enables him to issue conversation challenges designed to motivate each new keeper to reconnect face-to-face with people in their lives.
R U OK? campaign director Rebecca Lewis says: “With millions of Australians already supporting R U OK?Day, we’re excited to challenge them to do more to stay connected and have regular, meaningful conversations,”
“Quentin will help people to proactively reach out to someone they’ve not seen in a while and do more to maintain stronger relationships,” she added.
Quentin will be visiting communities all over Australia until R U OK?Day 2017.
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