What is Knock Knock?

Knock on one Knock Knock box and the other box knocks too (try saying that three times fast). It’s like they’re a single object that somehow appears in two places at the same time. Magic!

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How to use Knock Knock

Knock Knocks come in pairs and are connected on the internet. The noise made by tapping on the box is is picked up by a piezo sensor inside and used to trigger a solenoid in its remote partner. It’s still kind of magic, if you think about it.

Knock Knocks create a space of realtime fun

Knock Knocks are made to be played with when you are both around — once sounds have played, no trace is left behind. But they’re quick, and they’re simple: all you’ve got to do is tap on your box and listen for a reply. What might you do with them?

  • Send a quick knock-knock to say hello and indicate your presence.

  • A simple call-and-response (‘shave and a haircut’) can give a brief sense of togetherness with your remote partner.

  • Try more elaborate rhythm games – the response should be quick enough that you can jam together for hours.

  • If you’re bored with social media, maybe its time to learn Morse code?

We build the Knock Knock mechanism into a simple cardboard box, but you can try using the solenoid with different objects and surfaces. You might position it to start a wine glass ringing, in an homage to Droog Design’s droog doorbell doorbell. You could try using it with that cymbal you keep as a reminder of your days in the band. Or maybe attach pins to them and create a situation of mutually assured balloon destruction? Go ahead and play – that’s what they’re for!

Make your own Knock Knock communicator

 

A Knock Knock communicator is easy to make with a few electronic parts, tools that you probably have at home and household materials, find the full instructions here!