Waag Society developed the first version of the Storytable in 2002 together with the artist Hans Muller. A care center in Amsterdam, The Twiske House, had requested an artwork which was ICT-related and which would influence the inhabitants' social needs.

The Storytable was developed over a period of five months, and for another eight months the table underwent user tests. The results far exceeded our expectations. Besides its recreational function and its direct contribution to the increased enjoyment of life, the Storytable showed additional effects including reduced social isolation, positive effects on reminiscence, and the possibility of using the table for diagnostic practice.

To increase the Storytable's performance still further it was decided to extend the user tests. Ten care centers are currently testing an improved version of the Storytable, which is connected to a network. The outcome of these tests will determine the future of the Storytable. Check out the developing process of the prototype in this picturebook.