Designing the Pink Robots

When we found out about a group of middle-school girls in Montclair, NJ who decided to form their own robotics team instead of joining their boy-dominated school team, we decided to take on their cause. Being a “woman-owned enterprise” ourselves, it seemed like a nice fit.

The girls, with the help of their coaches, registered the team as the “Pink Robots” and began preparations to compete in the 2009 First Lego League Smart Move Challenge. The challenge includes a range of projects, competitions and presentations designed to foster an interest in science and technology, as well as build unity and teamwork. So it was during these preparations that Thinkso was introduced to the Pink Robots: Jocelyn, Melissa, Mary, Elena, Cate and Danique. Together, we set out to create the “look” of the Pink Robots, and discussed ideas about how to use design to enhance their message—and let’s be honest—put them in a better position to win!

The girls sketched their ideas of what a Pink Robot should look like and we decided together that if the team’s name was the Pink Robots, then the robot itself—the one they were busily programming to execute various missions—should be considered a member of the team, but that it should have its own name. Together we ran through a list of different ideas, but the one that finally stuck was RPINK1. It was meant as a kind of homage to the clever Star Wars droid R2D2, but with an added degree of friendliness and sisterhood.

Back at Thinkso, we took the girls sketches and helped combine, consolidate and interpret their input. We presented a range of drawings for RPINK1 and began to refine some of the plans that we had discussed with the girls regarding wardrobe, etc. We also designed and presented a custom typeface called “Blok” that, while based on the basic geometry of Lego building blocks (the robot kits were created by Lego), also evokes a somewhat digital, retro-tech feel.

Even though time was short, all of the elements came together in time for the qualifying tournament that took place at Steinert High School in Hamilton, NJ—just outside Trenton. Ten teams competed that day, some consisting of entire middle school robotics classes of 30-plus kids, and all of them predominantly male. The Pink Robots stood out in more ways than one.

One inexpensive, but extremely effective tactic that we employed was to flood the competition with Pink Robot propaganda in the form of buttons. After each presentation or performance—and at every other opportunity, the girls passed out buttons that they wore as part of their wardrobes. The buttons featured the image of RPINK1, as well as such messages as “Pink Power,” “Pink Robots Rule,” and the website address. By the end of the competition, a most all of tournament personnel—including judges, referees and FLL volunteers had at least one. They were such a hit, that even other teams and their supporters were clamoring for them!

Another key element of the Pink Robot design scheme was the website, which not only gave the girls a way to communicate to their fans and post news, but also provided a venue for presenting their thoughts and ideas as pertaining to their research project, which had to do with investigating how nuclear material is transported to, through and out of hospitals.

The day was a resounding success in many ways. The Pink Robots placed seventh in the tournament, but more importantly they were excited to work together, enjoyed the learning process, had fun—all with their unique style and energy. The local press was on hand to document the event—and were drawn in by the Pink Robot’s story and look. The girls were photographed by Catherine Stroud of the Trenton Times (see the first and sixth photograph in this post), and left the event—and finished the season—with a real sense of accomplishment and pride. For our part, Thinkso was just happy to have contributed to that feeling.