We redefined an analog childhood icon – a gum ball machine – deconstructed it and build the World's first “NFC-enabled Gumball machine”. It reinterprets the vending machine most users know from their childhood and adds a new digital twist: In place of gums and plastic rings, the NFC-enabled Gumball machine is packed with all sorts of digital goodies. Users only have to drop in the right change and turn the knob – then tap their smartphone next to the release chute.

From concept to design, the project was realized within only two days and then presented at the world premiere of Samsung’s NFC-enabled Galaxy S III Mini in Frankfurt. In terms of hardware, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, an Adafruit NFC shield, a simple reed switch and two Arduino microcontrollers were used.

The NFC Gumball Machine was the first of its kind – but not the last: After the premiere, we built two more specimens by request.

The presentation of the NFC-enabled Gumball Machine provoked a high degree of interest and interaction. And due to its joy of use and the arousal of amazing childhood memories it was possibly more convincing than any promotional material could be.

The feedback from the blogosphere for the creative use of technology has been overwhelming: Almost 30.000 views of the prototype video on YouTube and Vimeo and countless “Digital Gum Goods” blogposts from all over the globe including The Verge and Adverblog. And last but not least: Our prototype started his career as a World idol, travelled to Barcelona and fascinated the guests of this year’s “Mobile World Congress”.