What on earth is Chew?

Chew TV is a great online video website for young people. Schools, youth groups and young budding creative stars can upload their videos to a website, where other people can comment, rate, review and share their thoughts about the topics of the videos. It’s a safe, online environment where young people can communicate creatively through video.

So, what’s a Chew Table?

Chew TV wanted a new and interesting way to reach more people. The concept is based around a “talkaoke” table…. much like karaoke, but for talking! It sounds crazy, but its lots of fun!

A presenter sits inside the middle of a round table, and simply talks! Other guests can join in around the table, creating their own mini talk-show.

I designed special software that was embedded into the table that allowed videos to be player and sound-synced, so that everyone could watch and share videos together. People could also use the touch surface to tag thought, ideas and comments for discussion.

The entire table could easily fit into a vehicle, and be transported around schools, workshops, classes and youth groups around the UK.

How was it used?

The Chew Table allows presenters and teachers to openly discuss difficult topics, such as bullying, by allowing students to select different videos on the subject, and anonymously discuss them. This creates an interesting and unusual dynamic in the classroom, with lots of buzz and activity. The presenter in the centre of the table keeps the discussion flowing, and people can join in or opt-out however they please.

Its an unusual and fun way to share and talk about video, and a sensitive way to bring difficult issues up in the classroom.

I programmed all the software for the touch screen systems, including a network synchronisation routine that allowed videos to be played seamlessly over multiple screens, as well as an on screen keyboard for commenting, and other col little features, like a secret menu system for the presenter to quickly flip from one video to the next, and various interface design and screen design work. Chew TV provided the videos that were dynamically uploaded to the table, and the physical table itself was designed by the team at Talkaoke.

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