Selected Work, Last Updated 06.05.2024












For Turbulence Creative
May 2025


I - Introduction


About: Studio Kinky Kashayam focuses on twisting the worlds of history, sciences, technology, socio-economics, fiction, and humor. The studio borrows from the worlds of industrial design, engineering, manufacturing, critical thought and world-building to celebrate 'the machine' as a medium for interrogation. 

Who: Kinky Kashayam is a practice by Shashwath Santosh and Nithin Eluvathingal based across Coimbatore, New York & Toronto.




II - Past Work



Portable Black Cat Radar
(Machines That Respond to Superstitions)

2023

















(More research  documented on Instagram)



III - Project Details


Title: Knock On Wood Machines
Series: Machines that Respond to Superstitions


Description: The Knock-on-Wood Machines are part of an ongoing series exploring Machines Responding to Superstitions. It is a network of machines retrofitted onto trees that allow you to remotely knock on wood whenever you need the reflexive gesture, especially when there is none within reach. Born from the stress of not always having wood nearby, this system uses the power of the internet to technologically outsource your ability to neutralize bad luck.







Fig 1: Machine Installed on Tree






Fig 2: Form Explorations




III - Project Requirements


Core Interaction:

  1. User sends knock from their phone 
  2. Machine knocks 
  3. User recieves confirmation



Electronic Requirements:

Each unit must have:
  1. Servo Motor: To enable knocking on wood upon command.
  2. Internet Connectivity: Ability to connect to the internet for remote activation.
  3. Customizable Knocking Pattern: Option to customize the knocking sequence.
  4. USB-C Rechargeable Battery: For easy and efficient charging.
  5. LED Status Indicators:
    1. Machine On
    2. Machine Online
  6. Power Switch: For turning the machine on and off.
  7. Network Connection Button: Seamless process for connecting to the network.
  8. Weather Resistance: Dust, water, and weatherproof design.
  9. Clean Wiring: Neatly organized and concealed wiring for a tidy appearance.
  10. Must have a small screen to show knock count and username. 



Fig 3: Rough Server Diagram




Software Requirements:
 
Prototype Sketch: 
  1. Each instrument will be attached to the bark of a tree and connected to the mesh network.
  2. Users log onto the web portal (knockonwood.xyz) and are greeted with the option to quickly activate a knock 
  3. The user will be assigned a designated tree, chosen randomly 
  4. After activating the knock, users will see the status of their request in three stages:
    1. Request sent - If units are unavailable, users will see their position in line and an estimated waiting time 
    2. In progress
    3. Knock completed
  5. Once the knock is completed, users will receive information about the instrument number used and the corresponding tree ID.


Fig 4: Web App Wireframe


Enclosure:  

  1. Hi-Fi manufacturing assistance for 10 units
  2.  Recommendations for factories and fabiraction methods.
  3. Ensure the design allows for smooth articulation of the arm.
  4. Include provisions for secure, screw-in placement of internal electronics.
  5. Help make modifications to prototype prints 
  6. Create components to link the servo motor to the knocking arm for smooth movement.
  7. Ensure the design maintains balance to avoid tipping or instability.
  8. Recommend material and design changes that would best be suited for the device 
  9. Logo on the device 


Super excited to team up with Turbulence—can’t wait to get started on this project!

Warmly,
Kinky Kashayam
May 2025