ASK.ME Is a Life-Size Magic 8-Ball

Normally, when you use a Magic 8-Ball, you ask it a question, shake, and see what answer is generated. On the other hand, it’s fun to imagine what would be going on inside the ball if it were actually a mystical (or Internet-connected) device that can respond to queries with exotic and unknown technologies. Perhaps it would be something like Joan Raspo’s ASK.ME project.

ASK.ME is an Arduino-controlled geodesic structure large enough to enter, with a centrally located hologram inside to answer questions with the touch of a button.

Aside from the hologram, the ASK.ME chamber features an array of 99 Plexiglass triangular mirrors that bounce images back and forth across the dome and even the floor. This, along with ambient fiber optic lighting, gives the questioner a sense of an infinite space for immersion in this installation.

For those not lucky enough to have experienced ASK.ME for themselves at Maker Faire, you can check it out in the video below!