> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fireworks-studios.gitbook.io/fireworks-studios/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fireworks-studios.gitbook.io/fireworks-studios/hello.md).

# Hello!

Matchbox is a DIY STEM kit for beginners to assemble **video game controllers** from **upcycled keyboards** and various 3D-printed parts.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/IWC2xMlV3ZyXW6HHZO1N" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Problem:**

* Many STEM toys are too expensive, making them inaccessible for beginners.&#x20;
* We generate around 40 million tons of e-waste every year. A large percentage of which consists of obsolete keyboards.

<figure><img src="/files/cRTCouYZmGxBau2JJXN5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Matchbox team sorting through piles and piles of keyboards. Team members (from left to right): Bryan, Rafi, Enoch, and Hei</p></figcaption></figure>

**Solution (?):**

* Matchbox is an affordable DIY controller kit **designed for beginners** with **parts sourced from obsolete keyboards.**&#x20;
* By assembling a controller from inexpensive upcycled parts, everyone gets to have a fun and accessible introduction to hardware engineering!

This project is still under development! Check out our [devlogs](/fireworks-studios/devlog.md) for more fun details about what we're making now!

You can also check out our short development recap video to see everything we did in 2024!

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/nvBKbta-1dI>" %}

## Meet the team!

We're a team of 3 undergrad students at the University of Hong Kong developing this project in our free time at our university's makerspace - [the Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing](https://innowings.engg.hku.hk/innowing1/)!

The project is currently solely funded by [the Tam Wing Fan Innovation Wing](https://innowings.engg.hku.hk/innowing1/).

<div><figure><img src="/files/sLpTWPlVJyVwftdt5f5h" alt=""><figcaption><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/enochkang9171/">Enoch Kang</a><br>Project lead<br>HKU Computer Science Year 3</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/1o0Qjwo4p2qEjBnbB9uv" alt=""><figcaption><p>Hei Hu<br>CAD Engineer<br>HKU Mechanical Engineering Year 3</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/mUjm9YfscXmmncHx3fpZ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Bryan Pong<br>PCB Engineer<br>HKU Computer Engineering Year 5</p></figcaption></figure></div>
