Prototype Design The two design concepts we developed into prototypes have been chosen among several that were developed during a brainstorm session, which is a common component of the design process. In this particular session, physical appliances were listed on the left part of a large whiteboard, and virtual appliances-like activities on the right. For these prototypes, children age 5-10 were chosen as the target group. Obviously, for a different target group, the dupliances would look very different. With the intended user group in mind, each physical item was then combined with each virtual item, and pairs that made sense subjectively amid the group where listed as 'dupliance candidates' on the whiteboard. Sketches and use scenarios were then made of each candidate and discussed, from which the two design concepts were chosen. The SkipRope++ As cell phone technology is becoming ubiquitous and cheap, it seems to some extent enviable to connect them with certain activities where people would like to be available, rather than as it is today where you tend to be always available when carrying a cell phone. We believe this to be especially true for children, which may be too young and have too much on their minds to take on the responsibility of carrying and taking care of a cell phone all by themselves. The SkipRope++ draws on this idea by combining a children's jump rope with cell phone functionality. Because the cell phone is connected to a certain activity, it may also be designed to encompass what might be expected of the specific physical activity that the dupliance supports, which in this case may be to support rough treatment, damp environments, shocks etc. The physical shape of the skip rope also provides a natural, and somewhat historical, user interface for making telephone calls. This picture shows the evolution of the current SkipRope++ prototype, with some additional inspirational stuff on the right hand which we picked up at the local Toys'r'us. Clicking on this picture will have an instant zoom effect* (*depending on your internet connection speed).     Here's an instructional sketch of the SkipRope++ as the cell phone is intended to be operated. Instructions on how to operate the jump rope itself is not available. This picture will too grow in size once clicked.     Finally, here's a shot of the SkipRope++ in action by a member of the intended target group. Click this picture for a larger version. The YoYoPager A yoyo provides a small physical body that may encompass virtual functionality. For this prototype, we choose to introduce pager functionality, aimed at children around 5-10 years old, to the yoyo. If the parent wants to call on the child the YoyoPager is called and a pre-stored picture of the caller or a concept becomes visible on the yoyo. A picture of the child's mother would indicate that she wants to talk to him, and a picture of food might indicate dinner etc. The figurative means of communication allows the pager to be used by very young and hence illiterate children. This dupliance prototype also shows how a dreary physical body of an information appliance may come to life without interfering with its functionality, and it is also an example of how the concept of dupliances leads to fewer things to carry, which in turn might lead to better acceptance than would a traditional pager. This picture shows the evolution of the YoyoPager prototype. Notice the test drillings in the YoyoPager material above. As you might have guessed, this is a clickable picture as well.     This is the YoyoPager operator's manual. It will be included in all shipments. This picture contains a link to the same picture in its original size.     'Look Ma, a Hand!' Another member of the target group is bringing out the gimp. Just click for you-should-know-what-by-now.