What Is A Brane? If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them

INSPIRATION

When we were kids we invented our own toys out of scavenged parts and even rubbish. Can we recreate this experience in a designed product?

Today each construction toy system is a gated community that locks you into its own aesthetics. Can we design a new system to complete instead of to compete with the multitude of existing products?

Let each player bring their own personality by mixing up stuff they already own, whether it's LEGO, Meccano, littleBits electronics or just everyday objects!

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

MakerBrane's Branes are a constructive play ingredient. 3 compatible modules each with its own personality, combine together in thousands of ways to create solid or moving joints and structures. Like other construction toys, they are fun to create with by themselves. Unlike closed brand systems, Branes are universal connectors compatible with third-party ingredients. They are designed to encourage hybrid constructions and aesthetics, creative thinking, and re-use.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION

Branes come in a generic pack of 64 pieces. Wheels, electronics, gears, are NOT included. Instead, the user can borrow, mix and match what they need from other brands. Branes are cross-brand compatible with more than 20,000 parts including famous brands but also 3D prints and off-the-shelf nuts and bolts, craft, and maker materials. There is no pre-set design included inside the box. Design instructions are available only online, curated by a global community of creators using the online 3D Design app at makerbrane.com.