Squish - Community Digital Pet

Squish is a Tamagotchi-esque interactive gaming system developed for the greater CU Boulder ATLAS community. The installation is composed of 2 nostalgia-inspired gaming environments, connected by a 38” tall LED illuminated acrylic base and a large 4-part 3D printed shell. The ATLAS community can play the quick Squish game on their way to classes to sustain the health and happiness of the character. As the character loses energy or becomes sad, the base will fluctuate from green, to yellow, to red to indicate the different states of the character and its need for attention. 

Squish is designed to encourage a longstanding sense of community throughout ATLAS. Not only is our community connected through classes, but also through the nurturing of Squish. Playing up the 90’s nostalgia, Squish is designed to be a welcome distraction from the stresses of college life and encourages the community to work together to sustain the longevity of our newest friend, Squish. 

Check out our ideation and implementation process here. 

3D Models

My goals with creating the 3D Printable Models for squish were:

1. The ability to print it within the provided time-frame and size constraints
2. A robust and extensible frame for public use and future additions
3. A modular mounting method using commonly available VESA mounts

Screen Caddy

We cycled through several screen types during design, so I designed a modular fitting for the screen. In addition to making the design more versatile, it allows access to the interior cavity where the electronics are kept.

Main Body

Since the main body was too large to fit on my Prusa MK3S+ print-area, I split it into four parts and assembled them into one piece using printed alignment pins and adhesive. The form has the feel of a small thing made large, and conveys a friendly demeanor of the attached character.

VESA Mount

I wanted Squish to be mountable in a variety of environments including on a desk or on a wall. The VESA standard is the same drilling pattern used to mount monitors and televisions, so I decided to implement a __x__ VESA mounting pattern on the back of the device.

CREDITS

Squish is made possible with generous support from CU Boulder’s ATLAS Institute.

The Mediem team consisted of Ryan Dennie, Will Harris, and Jessie Hamilton-Burns with additional design by Larissa Schwartz.

Expo photos by Ryan Policky.

Squish was developed using Fusion 360, Prusa 3D Printers, a CNC Router, Python, Table Saw, Inkscape, and Raspberry Pi (Linux).