Thinking Outside the Brick is a digital toolkit and workshop model designed specifically for older adults. The kit provides a quick introduction to the world of physical computing projects. Senior citizens learn how to make simple interactive devices using a microcontroller and electronic components. From there, they can use their skills and creativity to come up with novel inventions.

In the years to come, senior citizens will be entering retirement as savvy technology users. Retirement homes and senior centers will have to go beyond basic computer literacy programs to stay on the cutting edge. Physical computing offers seniors the opportunity to combine new skills (computer programming and basic circuitry) with the skills they’ve honed over a lifetime. Knitters, woodworkers, painters, car enthusiasts and anyone else with a hobby can incorporate interactivity into the work they already enjoy.

This project offers the tools you need to put together a basic, low-cost, open-source kit.