Self-funded initiative to create a connected toy that teaches kids how to code

Beginning its life as an intern project back in 2013, Hackaball evolved from playful tinkering to a successful Kickstarter campaign that paid for the manufacturing of a tough, chuck-able, 'computer you can throw', sent to over 2,300 eager backers.

More than just an attempt at 'reinventing the ball', Hackaball sought to bridge the gap in early computer education. By seamlessly blending learning and play, it offers a hackable experience that sparks children's imagination while paving the way for future educational exploration.

Innovative play

Hackaball's journey involved iterative prototyping, integrating software and hardware seamlessly, resulting in a unique, hackable, and educational toy appealing to kids and parents alike.

Opening box from shipkick
HackaballHackaball

Educational potential

Hackaball was designed to fill a gap in early computer education, offering a blend of play and learning basic coding principles, that led kids away from screens and into the playground.

Hackaball
HackaballHackaball
HackaballHackaballHackaball
HackaballHackaballHackaballHackaball

Manufacturing expertise

Made by Many's experience with Hackaball extended to navigating manufacturing partnerships in China and collaborating on hardware design with industry specialists.

Opening box from shipkick
HackaballHackaball

IoT mastery

The project honed Made by Many's IoT design, manufacturing, and marketing skills, demonstrating their innovation prowess.

Opening box from shipkick
HackaballHackaball

Accessible technology

Hackaball showcases the possibility for any enterprise to develop sophisticated products, bridging the gap between concept and market viability.

Opening box from shipkick
HackaballHackaball

Democratising learning

By simplifying coding education for children, Hackaball makes STEM concepts accessible, fostering creativity and logical thinking in a tangible, engaging way.

Hackaball
HackaballHackaball

Product fusion

Praised by media giants and showered with awards, Hackaball's journey highlights the fusion of hardware, software, and design to create a delightful and educational tool for children.

Hackaball
HackaballHackaball

Title needs to go here

Curabitur id bibendum neque, ac accumsan velit. Proin interdum ex ac magna lacinia, in convallis felis faucibus. Curabitur ac tincidunt nunc. In at purus id ipsum tempor luctus. Aliquam erat volutpat. Phasellus a tempus nisi. Sed auctor diam lorem, vitae cursus ex facilisis quis.

Hackaball
HackaballHackaball

Project Impact

2300

units sent to backers and buyers

2300

units sent to backers and buyers

20

weeks

20

weeks

Hackaball
Some of the awards for innovation in Education Technology we received for Hackaball.
Some of the awards for innovation in Education Technology we received for Hackaball.

"It is fun and exciting to use, and children will think up more original and innovative ways of using it, engaging their creative thinking and imagination."

Clare Copland

Senior Lecturer in Education for ICT & Computing at London Southbank University

"It is fun and exciting to use, and children will think up more original and innovative ways of using it, engaging their creative thinking and imagination."

Clare Copland

Senior Lecturer in Education for ICT & Computing at London Southbank University

"A toy for the 21st century... the attention to design is of a rare level of sophistication."

Core77

"A toy for the 21st century... the attention to design is of a rare level of sophistication."

Core77