The Big Red Button
[This is kinda advertising. But also a personal story.]
Ever since I saw Russel Davies’ talk at the Lift Conference in 2010 called “Printing the internet” I was obsessed. Obsessed with a button.
The button MADE THE SLIDES GO. SEE?
He used it again for his talk “Buttons, Behaviour, Robots and Toys. What Happens When We Put Data in Things” at the NEXT Conference. By that time the Big Red Button haunted me. As my own work and talks are about the intersection of technology, people, and the habits forming around this relationship, THE BIG RED BUTTON just made so much sense. And I am not the only one obsessed — the button was added to MoMa’s interactive exhibition in 2010.
My problem? It’s unobtainable. The original button was created by Tinker, a multidisciplinary design studio based in London that existed only from May 2007 to December 2010. And while they sold a small number of pieces, I was never able to order one, even back then.
Recently, as I am slowly emerging from my book project, I started working on some new keynotes and talks for 2025. And I decided that enough was enough!
Let’s build a Big Red Button
Step one: Get a USB-based foot pedal controller. Like this one. These are contactless, but if you are fancy, you can also go for a single-key mechanical keyboard like this as a basis.
Step two, get the button. Go to your local hardware store and pick one you like. Or try to get close to the original. Like this one.
Step three: Open the controller, remove the cable and everything in it. Open the button, stuff everything inside. Add material / hot glue / screws as needed. Don’t worry, there is enough room and nobody will see your mess once it’s closed anyway.
There you go. Maybe you need to configure the controller to emit your desired command so that it MAKES THE SLIDES GO. Usually these things come with software for that.
Now I am complete. I am ready for re-joining the tech & design conference circuit. And hey, if you want me and my new button on stage at your event to talk about technology, trends and their influence on society, you can contact me here.