For the Internet of Things pioneer NXP, we designed the 'Machine of Things,' a game experience that highlights NXP's latest NFC product.
Client
NXP
Industry
Technology, SaaS & Infrastructure
Solution
Mobile Game
Technology
MobileReal-time / Multiplayer
Services
Technical ConsultingUX DesignVisual DesignSoftware DevelopmentDevOpsProducing
The Machine of Things makes NFC instantly tangible.
Visitors should touch NFC, not just be told about it.
At trade shows, only a few minutes are available, and complex IoT topics quickly lose attention. The challenge was to present NXP's new NFC module in a way that participants immediately understand how it works in Smart Home, Industry, and MedTech, while also being motivated to explore and play themselves.
The goal was a quick and entertaining understanding of the product.
Our goal was a quick and entertaining understanding of the product.
The Machine of Things transforms NFC taps into playable experiences.
The installation is a modular trade show experience: physical stations with haptic elements, a React-based mobile app with a native NFC plugin, Unity 3D visuals, a node.js master for orchestration, and LED integration. Short mini-games showcase specific use cases and can be easily adapted to new topics.
Early prototypes made of cardboard, tape, and LED strips helped test the timing between smartphone and machine and find the optimal position for the NFC tags. A visual concept with neumorphism and fine micro-animations connects the haptics of the machine with the mobile interface, thereby increasing the motivation to play.
A node.js master orchestrates all components.
A central node.js server connects the React app, Unity rendering, LED strips, and NFC events, ensuring performance and stability at the booth.
Iterative prototyping determined timing and balance.
In short cycles from discovery through prototyping to final implementation, we repeatedly tested the user guidance. Early tests with real participants helped ensure that mini-games were neither too simple nor too long, and that attention was effectively directed between the screen and the machine.
The experience makes technology understandable.
The experience makes technology understandable.