02-12-2010 Computer Engineer Barbie Announced
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| Audience/Grade: | College Freshman-Continuing Education |
| Discipline(s): |
Computer Engineering Computer Science Computing Diversity Design Engineering Diversity Engineering Management Industrial Design Information Systems Information Technology Software Engineering |
| Special Topic(s): | |
| Learning Resource Type: |
Community - Blog |
| Media Type: |
Unknown |
| Author(s): |
Alice Agogino |
| Description: | Engineering Pathway's Today in History blog for February 12. Excerpt: "Today in History - February 12, 2010 - First computer engineer Barbie announced. Mattel had launched a competition for Barbie's next career earlier in the year. The choices were: computer engineer, architect, environmentalist, news anchor and surgeon. I was part of a group that launched a viral campaign for the computer engineer and we won the popular vote. The kids vote was the newscaster. Mattel decided to launch both concepts on a tight time schedule so that they could announce them at the 2010 New York Toy Fair. I was part of the consultation team at the National Academy of Engineering that gave advice on clothes and accessories. I recommended a look that was 'cool geek' or 'sci fi', dynamic with portable rather than desktop computers, and accessories that emphasized talking, communication and music. I said "can the coffee mug" envisioned in one of the early prototypes. I also recommended that the doll have an online game associated with it, possibly one that could be played or accessed through a mobile device. Mattel's announcement said there would a special code [binary?] "to unlock exclusive game content on Barbie". I'd love to help design those games." |
| Rating: |
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| Related Resources | |
| Keywords: | Barbie Mattel toy design |
| Is Component of: |
"Today in History" Blog of the Engineering Pathway Digital Library |
| References: |
Revenge of the Nerds: How Barbie Got Her Geek On |
| Usage Tip | |
| Related ABET Criteria: |
Creative Thinking |
| Use of Resource: |
Good case study of culturally-sensitive design. |
| Difficulty: |
Easy |
| Interactivity Level: |
Low |
| Version Info | |
| Publication Date: | February 2011 |
| Platform/Format: |
WWW |
| Cost: |
Free |
| Download URL: | http://www.k-grayengineeringeducation.com/blog/index.php/2012/02/ |
| Metadata: |
IEEE LOM Record |
| Collection: |
NEEDS
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