2016-09-28 Wed

A special monetary system to reduce Japan’s dependence on Chinese coins was introduced in the 1600s called “Tokugawa coinage”. The largest denomination was a large oval Oban; then came the gold oval Kobans and several smaller denominations in silver, gold, and bronze. This coinage was used till the Meiji Restoration in 1868. A Koban in Extremely Fine condition can fetch $35,000 or more depending upon the size and dates.

Today, after almost 4 centuries, this coinage has reappeared with a bang in a science fiction series on Netflix for a digital-payment concept called Scrip.

Devised by the firm NewDealDesign, Scrip is a 1.5 x 3.5 inches handheld device made of copper that’s pre-loaded from your smartphone. You have to move your thumb over the device while paying something, just like counting old bills.

The Scrip looks exactly similar to the gold Koban. The Tokugawa coin’s ridged surface inspired Scrip’s pattern of dots that ripples to the surface during a payment process. The dots are pressed back down while swiping. More swipes are required for bigger payments, creating a psychological impact on the spending experience.

This fictional concept might never become a reality, but will help in the study of tactile interfaces and wearable technology.