Automata: The Odd Magic of Living Machines
Self-operating machines hold a peculiar place in history, from an 18th century "pooping" duck to today's merging of technology with the human form.
Spectral Illusions: The Pepper’s Ghost Effect
The illusory stage effect seen in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion traces back to the 1500s. Here's how you can make your own!
Meet the Physicist Blending Science and Magic Together
Unlike most traditional magicians, UK-based science educator Matt Pritchard actively encourages people to consider the method behind the illusion.
Kelli Anderson Transforms Paper Into Tech One Fold At a Time
From record players to cameras, graphic designer Kelli Anderson takes papercraft to the next level by recreating 20th century technologies in the form of pop-up books.
The legendary I.Q. Tester remains an immersive classic among modern puzzle connoisseurs.
How Toys and Origami can Transform Design
Chuck Hoberman's eponymous sphere is one of the best-loved toys of the last quarter century. But it's only one example of his incredible work in transformable design.
The world’s first levitating timepiece, Story consists of a magnetically levitating sphere that orbits around a wooden base telling the time. An intricate dance of magnetic magic guides the chrome ...
Fidget Toys That Stimulate Creative Thinking
Recent research has shown that fidgeting is not only widespread but also beneficial in terms of both productivity and creativity.
Amazing Water Animation for Gatorade Ad
Gatorade built a crazy device that interprets the actual physical movements of an athlete into an animated sequence of water droplets for a new commercial. The technology, a choreographed performan...
Baffling Photo of Strawberries Contains No Red Pixels
Here at Art of Play, we love optical illusions. Especially the unsuspecting kind like this photo of strawberries here. Believe it or not, there are no red pixels in this photo. What you're seeing i...