Kinetic

Contributors

Bo Li (M.S. DT '26)
Zijie Zhou (M.S. DT '26)

Class

DESIGN 6397 Design for Physical Interaction I

Instructors

Marcelo Coelho
Daniel Leithinger

Kinetic is a portable, digitally enhanced take on the classic bar game Shuffleboard. It uses a 1D linear track where two players launch color-coded marbles, trying to land within a scoring zone while knocking opponents’ marbles away. By adjusting launch power and choosing contrasting or matching colors, players trigger unique collision effects—contrasting colors collide, while matching ones pass through each other.

Designed for compact spaces and minimal upkeep, Kinetic addresses common pain points of traditional Shuffleboard, which can require large, expensive tables and frequent resets. An integrated LED interface provides real-time scoring, reducing manual intervention and making the game instantly engaging even for first-time players. The portability factor also allows bar owners to position and store the setup with ease.

Kinetic strives to preserve the tactile satisfaction of physical gameplay while adding the flexibility of a digital experience. Players can experiment with strategy—fine-tuning force, color selection, and timing—to score big or send rival marbles tumbling into the “graveyard” zone. The result is a lively, social interaction that encourages friendly competition, bringing people together for fast-paced fun in bars, lounges, and beyond.

Medium of physical object: Custom electronics and a 3D printed enclosure.