Keeping up with Project Unicorn

Jordan works with Sam on almost a weekly basis brainstorming and working through new designs.

Ever since Jordan had a chance to spend almost a week in San Francisco with KIDmob and Autodesk to build her vision of a superhero that shoots sparkles from her arm, she’s shown a new version of confidence in her ability to create. Jordan says her superhero’s name is “Girl Blaster.” But our project still has the super cool name, “Project Unicorn.” Thanks to our partners from the Superhero Cyborg event in January, we were matched with a design partner who also works at Autodesk. Almost every week, Jordan and Autodesk’s Sam Hobish have met via Google Hangout to talk about design goals and different types of builds that interest her.

Over the weekend, most of the kids involved in the Superhero Cyborg camp met up in San Francisco or over a computer to brainstorm and continue building the designs they’re working on. Jordan and Sam are trying to find a way to harness the little bit of movement Jordan has at the base of her arm to power a 3D printed arm. I’m fascinated to see what they can figure out. And there’s a new prototype headed to our house in the mail this week!

Recently, an article came out in Fast Company about Jordan’s project. It’s so cool to see her working on something that sparks (sparkles?) interest. I love her excitement and commitment to this project. Even more amazing? It’s incredible to see how many adults who are committed to learning from Jordan’s sparkle-bomb vision. She and Sam are coming up with designs beyond a sparkle cannon. Over the weekend, Jordan told me she thinks this experience has changed her life. And I think that’s very possible. Becoming a Superhero Cyborg has sparked the maker inside of Jordan. She’s opened herself to a whole new world of possibilities for herself and any kid who wants to try to come up with a fun body hack. Because, hey, why not?

UPDATE: Since we’ve had a CRAZY amount of attention since the article in Fast Company and TODAY.com, Jordan shot this video update on Project Unicorn.