Creative Circuit Making for All: Including People Living with a Disability

TapeBlocks are the accessible, affordable, versatile and creative circuit making activity and there is a version of TapeBlocks that is accessible so that anyone can explore circuits for themselves. They challenge people understanding of how to make circuits and who can make them.Ā TapeBlocks combine technology with creativity to encourage everyone to play and explore.

What are TapeBlocks?

TapeBlocksĀ are kids EVA foam blocks wrapped in conductive tape with electronic components inserted on top or underneath. It is one of those concepts that you come up with and then go - that is so obvious why did no one else think of it already.Ā 

The Magic ingredient is theĀ conductive tapeĀ that acts as the wire to make the connection between the components and the battery. The surface of the tape is electrically conductive, the glue is conductive too.

  • A red foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. It has a 3V battery in a black carrier in in the middle of the front of the block

    Power Tapeblock Cell

  • A red foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. Each of the rows has a tab of extra tape that has a red or black alligator clip attached to it.

    Power TapeBlock Clip

  • A yellow foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. The top layer of tape has a gap in it and in the gap is a red button in a black switch.

    TapeBlock Button

  • A yellow foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. The top layer of tape has a gap in it and in the gap is a black tilt switch.

    TapeBlock Tilt Switch

  • A yellow foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. The top layer of tape has a gap in it and in the gap is a Light Dependent Resistor.

    TapeBlock Light Sensor LDR

  • A green foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. There is a blue Light emitting diode (LED) that is connected between the two pieces of tape.

    Light (LED) TapeBlock

  • A green foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. There is an Light emitting diode (LED) that is changing colours that is connected between the two pieces of tape.

    TapeBlock RGB Color

  • A green foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. There is a vibration motor which has a blue and red wire connected to the two pieces of tape.

    Vibration TapeBlock

  • A green foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. There is a voltage display which is black and displays the red numbers 2.67. It has a blue and red wire connected to the two pieces of tape.

    TapeBlock Voltmeter

  • A green foam block with two parallel rows of conductive tape wrapped around it. There is a fan motor which has a blue and red wire connected to the two pieces of tape. The green fan shape is spinning

    TapeBlock Fan

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Types of TapeBlocks

There are aĀ range of TapeBlocks that can be made using the same method.Power TapeBlocks and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) TapeBlocks are a really good place to start. The pancake vibration motor is really useful because blind and vision impaired people can feel when the circuit is working (and people that don't like bright lights will find the vibration motor more engaging). There are all sorts of electronic components and experimenting that also work. I found you could create a variety of resistor TapeBlocks. The Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) was fun to play with in to introduce new concepts. I also found that Ā buttons could be inserted. Tilt switches are great fun because you can experiment with cause and effect in movements and making the connections. It is amazing what you can run off a 3V button cell battery. The small drone motors are really neat and don't use that much power so they have been included in some of the kits.

TapeBlock Variations

As well as different types of TapeBlocks there are different ways of configuring the blocks to suit different needs and requirements. TapeBlocks are a really accessible making toolkit. TapeBlocks are a method that can be used as a starting point for creation and invention. Ā You can extend TapeBlocks by putting magnets in to hold the blocks together, it is viable and could be useful in some configurations but it makes them more difficult to make and adds some constraints. Some of the variations includes: Pre-Made TapeBlocks, Make your own TapeBlocks, Simple breadboard, Multiple components on a block, Multiple blocks taped together and Connect to a Micro-controller like a Micro:Bit using a banana plug.

TapeBlock Characters

TapeBlock Characters are great for combining electronic circuits with creativity. The tutorial page has the basic instructions for making a TapeBlock character integrated with an integrated circuit. The basic circuit in each is similar with the placement and number of components and decoration being changed to suit the character.

  • Pink and Blue Fur TapeBlock with blue eyes and red light up nose. closeup of it sitting in the garden

  • Round red fur TapeBlock with blue eyes and yellow light up nose, sitting on the grass

  • Grey fur TapeBlock with red eyes and red light up nose, sitting on the grass

  • Brown fur TapeBlock with white ears, google eyes eyes and green light up nose, sitting on the grass

  • Red Fur TapeBlock with blue eyes and yellow light up nose, It is sitting on the grass

  • Tan fur horse head shaped TapeBlock with blue eyes and yellow light up nose, sitting on the grass

  • Black fur TapeBlock with yellow light up eyes and yellow pom pom nose, sitting on the grass

  • TapeBlock with pink pins and yellow light, It is sitting on the grass

  • Green scale dragon head TapeBlock with red eyes and red light up nose. It is sitting in the grass

  • Grey scaly TapeBlock dragon with yellow glass eyes and red light up nostrils, It is sitting on the grass

  • Owl TapeBlock with yellow beak and yellow light up eyes, It is sitting on the grass

  • Bird shaped TapeBlock with blue eyes and yellow light up tail, it is sitting on the grass

  • TapeBlock horse with blue glass eyes and green light up mane, It is sitting on the grass

  • TapeBlock Train with black and white eyes and red light up funnel, It is sitting on the grass

  • TapeBlock Train with black and white eyes and red light up funnel, It is sitting on the grass

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Who can use TapeBlocks?

TapeBlock aim to provide opportunities for everyone, especially people with disabilities. When you create something that is accessible, it often means that it is really easy for everyone to use. So TapeBlocks can be used by people living with a disability. They can also be used by children and in STEM engagement programs for under represented groups. TapeBlocks are a really versatile making tool that is not intimidating at all so they can help to give anyone the confidence to make circuits for themselves.

  • Man in a wheelchair smiling with a TapeBlock circuit on the tray that he has made

  • Woman with Thumb up smiling, A TapeBlock circuit is on the table in front of her

TapeBlocks for the Blind : TapeBlocks can be made and used by people that are blind or low vision. Correct circuit making can be felt with the vibration motor and fan or heard with the buzzer.

TapeBlock for Motor Disability: TapeBlocks are big and chunky so they can be pushed together to form a circuit. People that have never had the oportunity to make a circuit can!

TapeBlocks for intellectual disability: TapeBlocks are a great way to explore electronic concepts for people with and intellectual disability as the cause and effect is tangible and nothing is hidden

Assembly Required- The TapeBlock kits do not come assembled as making them is part of the fun but some people may require assistance. They should be used in a way that meets the users needs. Batteries are not included with the kits because of restrictions on shipping.

Warning

  • Yellow and red hazard triangle

    Choking HazardĀ - Small parts, button cell battery and sharp objects. Not suitable for children under 3 years or any individuals who have a tendency to put inedible objects in the mouth.

  • Swallowing HazardĀ - Button cell batteries can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue and death. Severe burns can occur within 2 hours of ingestion. Seek medical attention immediately
  • Australian Museum Eureka Prizes 2022 Winner

  • Amazing Maker Awards - Education Award 2022

  • AusMumpreneur Awards 2021 Finalist Product Innovation Award Badge

  • Shortlisted, Creating Curiosity Award, QS Reimagine Educations