On TikTok, young women are going viral for crafting whimsical homemade computers inside purses.Another TikTok creator, known as CocoasAesthetic, but preferring to be called by her real name, Brianna, was captivated by the transient allure of cyberdecks and decided to create her own. The 25-year-old New York City resident found an ideal box for her project – a small, pink container that her mother had received from a recent Dunkin’ promotional campaign. The box, originally designed to hold a single Wedding Cake Munchkin, was transformed into a cyberdeck by Brianna.
Brianna, a software engineer with a passion for DIY projects, removed the box’s orange interior and installed inexpensive hardware. She then programmed a video game into the revamped Dunkin’ box, where players take on the role of a barista and complete mini-games to serve lattes.
The creators of these devices are not driven by the desire to design a gadget that could survive a nuclear war, or even replace a smartphone or laptop. Tan, another creator, admits to using her phone daily and not preferring her cyberdeck over it. However, she does have custom-made seashell headphones that match her deck, which she uses when she wants to enjoy music.
Even though these homemade devices may not replace their smartphones or laptops, they offer a delightful diversion into a world of DIY tech. This hobby provides a refreshing break, even if it’s just for a few hours each week.
As we delve deeper into the era of generative AI, it’s becoming evident that this technology could further distance us from the actual process of creation. Why bother writing a wedding speech when a bot can generate a draft and tweak it to evoke tears? The widespread use of these bots as everyday tools could lead to a general uniformity. Tan, with her cyberdeck, is pushing back against this AI-driven culture, emphasizing personal creativity and hard work.
Tan points out that we often interact with items daily without understanding their creation process or inner workings. “Cyberdecks provide an excellent starting point for becoming more tech-savvy,” she says. This hands-on approach to technology offers a deeper connection to the devices we use every day.
