An Electronic Game for Urinals

Posted on May 29, 2006

Yanko Design explains an unusual electronic game that is found inside urinals. Yanko says the urinal can improve hygiene because people will focus on hitting the target. It also says it will make using urinals and restrooms more enjoyable.

Recessed into a urinal is a pressure-sensitive display screen. When the guest uses it, he triggers an interactive game, producing images and sound. The reduced size of the "target" improves restroom hygiene and saves on cleanings costs (like the "fly in the urinal" at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport). It also makes a trip to the urinal "fun and games" - more than just a necessary nuisance. By projecting the game experience into the public space, viewers are treated to a new way of visualizing the abstract, and the entertainment value is boosted. The projection of the project into a museum space was conceived of as a critical-ironic measure, questioning the concept of art, but extending it at the same time. "On target" is an interactive installation with the functional purpose of improving hygiene.
It sounds like it would make using public restrooms weirder instead of more enjoyable. The urinals topped TechEBlogs' list of the top 10 strangest gadgets of the future.


More from Gamers Game