Neuro X

Focus Training Toy for Central Academy of Fine Arts

It is normal for school-aged children to experience difficulty concentrating. This project is designed with child-friendliness in mind, grounded in empathy and scientific principles. The attention training toy uses a headband to collect EEG signals, enabling control over the movement and transformation of ferrofluid in the interface, creating mind-based interaction. Multiple difficulty levels ensure a sense of achievement, novelty, and continuity in attention training.

Download Press Kit № 164993

Download Press Kit № 164993 Focus Training Toy for Central Academy of Fine Arts by Wang Yuchen to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Neuro X by Wang Yuchen

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Focus Training Toy by Wang Yuchen

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Wang Yuchen Neuro X

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Wang Yuchen Focus Training Toy

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Unique Properties

Children naturally face challenges with attention control during development, but criticism can harm their confidence. Studies show that unconscious focus during play and exploration supports prefrontal cortex development. We aim to use play as a tool to aid this growth. The attention-training toy employs a commercial tgam module to capture eeg signals, using them to control ferrofluid's shapes and rhythms, enabling "thought-driven interaction." This merges physiological signals with physical materials, blending art and technology to create a unique experience that fosters sustainable attention development.

Tags

Focus Training Toy, Child-Friendly Design, Edutainment, EEG, Art and Technology

Production Technology

Technically, we have made this a reality. The headband includes a commercial tgam module that non-invasively collects eeg signals. The n blocks receive the collected signals via bluetooth, adjusting the internal electromagnetic strength to activate and reshape the ferrofluid immersed in a water-based solution. The ferrofluid supports diy at home and can be made using edible oil and iron powder. All toy components are made from safe materials and are securely sealed.

Design Challenge

The challenge lies in reducing costs, making it affordable for more families.

Project Duration

The project was launched in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, in April 2023 and completed in Beijing in August 2024. It won the second prize at the Beijing division of the China international university innovation competition in 2023 and was awarded the European product design award, IDA bronze, and the China design award in 2024.

Operation Flow

Step 1: Put on the medi-headband, place the n-blocks on a flat surface, and power on both devices. Step 2: Focus your attention while the medi-headband collects the data. Step 3: The n-blocks process the brainwave data, causing the ferrofluid moves with signal strength. Greater focus creates more dynamic and intricate shapes. Step 4: Swap out the n-blocks to explore different levels of difficulty.

Research

The goal of this project is to provide an entertaining and educational attention training toy for school-aged children. Through expert and user interviews, the design integrates neuroscience and educational science, taking into account brain development needs and children's emotional needs to create a child-friendly design. After conducting market and technology research, feasibility and financial analyses were carried out. The final design won two international awards and two domestic Chinese awards, receiving endorsements from experts and recognition within the industry.

Inspiration

Ferrofluid is an interactive and safe material that, under the control of an electromagnet matrix, can create diverse shapes and movements. It captured my younger sister's curiosity, as she perceived it as a living creature she could interact with. Therefore, I aim to create a unique narrative connection between humans and the material, enhancing this interaction to meet the emotional needs of children during their growth process.

Image Credits

Image #1: Creator Wang Yuchen, Neuro X, 2024. Image #2: Creator Wang Yuchen, Neuro X, 2024. Image #3: Creator Wang Yuchen, Neuro X, 2024. Image #4: Creator Liu Qinyang, Neuro X, 2024. Image #5: Creator Liu Qinyang, Neuro X, 2024.

Project Overview

Neuro X Focus Training Toy has been a Bronze winner in the Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Bronze Recognition

Wang Yuchen was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Neuro X Focus Training Toy.

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