Multi-screen games
Developing hi-tech digital concepts is usually driven by computer giants like Apple or Microsoft. But the work of British artist and engineer Andrew Fentem demonstrates that harnessing the latest technology with innovative concepts can be done in your own studio. Fentem’s creation, the Fentix Cube, is a captivating digital take on the classic Rubik’s Cube. Composed of six screens, the cube contains a computer, battery and touch and movement sensors, yet can be held in one hand.

Fentem’s career path included military research and product innovation consultancy. His previous projects included multi-touch screen interfaces for musical applications, which won him an innovation award from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA). He has also worked on touch screen surface technology for creating musical scores, playing games, interactive floors and artistic purposes.

Digital aesthetic
‘I was interested in aesthetics and new forms of computers’, says Fentern. ‘I considered making a reasonably priced computer with a touch screen and thought it would be a good way to draw attention to other research I'd done a few years ago.  So I researched the internet and couldn't believe that no one had ever made a proper electronic cube.’

The Fentix Cube game’s platform has been programmed to implement various multi-dimensional games, puzzles, and lighting effects. For Fentem, working in his studio in London, fitting all the electronics into a small block was a unique test. ‘I've done a lot of work in electronic arts’, he explains, ‘in a way the challenge wasn't just technical, it was trying to make something that was aesthetically pleasing. I wanted to show people what was possible and the kinds of things I am capable of designing.’

Innovative interaction
Fentem has a unique perspective, with a detailed understanding of human interaction with computers using different types of interfaces. ‘I enjoy using what I know from physics to electronics to psychology’, he says, ‘and my interest in art and design, then putting it all together.’

Glad to follow his own path, Fentem is busy negotiating how to take things forward. Meanwhile he’s carefully guarding his valuable technology.