Kano is a London tech start-up founded (November 2012) by Alex Klein, Saul Klein and Yonatan Raz-Fridman. They imagined what a computer for the next generation would look like, how a computer kit could be fun enough to hold kids' attention, teach them something and be "as simple and fun as lego". They started on the prototype (Jan13') combining off-the-shelf components and graphic stories with the goal of making the Raspberry Pi accessible. After making/selling 200 kits in London schools and companies the founders planned to launch the brand and volume production with a more cohesive design.

The design process was research-led. Four different-aged users tested the pilot kit. MAP studied how to improve the user-experience, learning outcomes and the life-cycle of the kit; production, delivery, unpacking for use and repacking for storage.

Insights: There should be no distinction between product and packaging. Packaging must be part of the communication to help set-up the kit and also storage. Must fit through 80% of international letterboxes for shipping costs and mail-order. Raspberry Pi needs new snap-together protective case but be open for experimentation. Kids struggle with click-and-drag on conventional keyboards requiring a new keyboard archetype to be developed.

Kano is a computer and coding kit for all ages, all over the world. The kit includes a Raspberry Pi, case, speaker, wireless keyboard, instruction books and accessories, organised in a tray package. All components in the kit were designed from scratch to create a unified experience. The kit is designed as a complete experience from the packaging to the keyboard down to the colour of the wifi dongle. The wireless keyboard has a built-in touchpad and uniquely two separate colour-coded physical mouse buttons which make it easier for children to use.