Heidi Hinder, an artist from Bristol, has created a new system to help bring back the intimacy of purchasing, giving or donating money. Now you can make your cashless transaction just by giving someone a hug, a handshake or a high-five, or with other forms of person-to-person contact.
The “Money no Object” system works by utilising a specially made glove and a sensor worn by the recipient allows for transactions and donations without the use of physical currency.
It is being developed with assistance from the Victoria and Albert Museum. We caught up with Heidi to ask her about the main concept behind Money No Object.
“The personal interactions and material currencies that have traditionally been at the centre of our daily transactions are fast disappearing with the impact of digital technology,” explains Heidi. “As a response, I wanted to design a playful alternative that could refresh and re-engage with some of the questions posed by our financial future.
“By shaking hands, giving someone a hug or a high-five you can make a donation to charity”
“So by shaking hands, giving someone a hug or a high-five, or by tap-dancing (a pun on ‘Tap & Pay’), you can make a donation to charity. The concept evolved as I was thinking about how money is a social exchange, as well as a financial one.”
Emotional currency: Give to charity with a hug!
Creative charity donations
Many charities and non-profit organisations are looking towards using this as a donation tool using creative ways to for people to give money. As the technology is tested and continues to involve the commercial uses.
“The system has already been beta-tested at the Victoria and Albert Museum,” Heidi tells us, “where it was launched as part of London Design Festival. It was really satisfying to see visitors delighted by the social interactions and wearable technology that transferred their donation.”
This technology is similar to many Barclay Card scanning systems, but Heidi hopes that this more personal money transfer tool will make people think about what they are purchasing with a more personal approach: “Money No Object series of wearable donation systems [including the ring, pictured left] is intended to be playful and entertaining. I’m hoping that if people enjoy the way in which they donate, then perhaps they will donate more to the benefit of good causes.”
Charity in action: All you need is a good firm handshake.
Heidi hopes to see this system used by charities and consumers alike. “It would definitely be fun to see the design interactions and technology used more widely!”
We’d like to thank Heidi for taking the time to talk to us. You can see more about the project at the Money No Object website and follow Heidi on Twitter for updates on her work here: @HeidiHinder.
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