former gumball machine vends music, apps, and e books

constructed using a former gumball machine, ‘digital gum goods’ vends digital content to mobile devices all images courtesy razorfish

distributing songs, e-books, apps, and coupons from a former gumball machine, ‘digital gum goods‘ is a vending machine prototype by the frankfurt office of creative agency razorfish. upon a user entering a coin, the device flashes a message on its built-in screen, urging users to place their NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet alongside a panel on the site of the former release shoot. upon connection, users receive a piece of digital content delivered to their mobile device. razorfish notes that the project explores the possibilities for the integrated use of NFC technology, in particular for the sharing of location-based content. constructed in 2 days as part of a prototyping session, ‘digital gum goods’ utilizes a samsung galaxy tablet, an NFC shield, two arduino microcontrollers, and a reed switch, all fitted inside a former gumball vending machine.

video documentation and demo of the project

view of the machine on display in razorfish’s offices

breakdown view of technical components

constructing the unit