Needies are interactive plush dolls inspired by codependent, high-maintenance relationships.

Totally attention-starved, they compete with each other for your affection.

When you hug or squeeze the Needies, they return your kindness with songs and shameless flattery. Problem is that they know when other Needies are “getting touch”. If one Needie is getting touch while others are neglected, the unloved Needies will conspire to take its place.

My favourite is Brettie (the one on the left), the wicked Needie who encourages humans to throw the other Needies in order to get all the attention for himself.

Authors: Amos Bloomberg, Daniel Perlin, and Brett Schultz at New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.

Also posted by Mia.