So where does this fascination with ‘inventing useless things’ stem from? What was your first creation?

Well, I don't remember exactly what my first creation was. But I know that I was often building alarm devices for my room when I was a kid. I grew up with many brothers and sisters, and privacy and security seemed to be an issue for me at that time.

Your ‘Electronic Instant Camera’ uses a video camera and thermal receipt printer to produce photographs; do you enjoy finding new uses for objects and changing their uses? Where do you get your ideas from?

Answer to the first question is: Yes. Answer to the second question is: From my brain.

Is there anything you wish you could invent but just can’t yet? What would be your dream objects to work with?

This would involve working with DNA as material. So working with human DNA and regarding that as an 'object' which is a fairly complicated topic from an ethical point of view. I need to think more about this issue. Please don't expect a serious answer within this interview.

Do you ever just start making things and see where the project goes?

There's certainly always a pretty clear plan before I start making something. But I have to admit that sometimes, when a project is finished, the result doesn't match the original plan anymore. I guess this has to do with some sort of inspiration that happens during the process. Or with missing skills. Maybe both.

You say the way you created your project ‘PING!- Augmented Pixel’ could’ve been achieved in the 70s. Do you feel there was a different approach with engineering back then than there is now?

Personally? For me? Sure! As I'm a child of the 70's, my approach to engineering was a lot more naive, back then.

Some of your pointless yet clever inventions such as ‘My Little Piece of Privacy’ don’t actually carry out their duties. Is it deliberate that the reality of the piece contradicts its intention?

To be honest, this curtain thingy was planned more as an entertaining shop window installation for my neighbours, as they are all proud curtain owners. It was predictable, that a fast moving curtain would attract attention than protect my privacy. But that's probably the point of it: I took something low-tech (or even no-tech?) that worked perfectly, I made it sort of hi-tech and it lost its functionality. I have the feeling that this happens rather often these days - but in most cases, it's not as funny to watch.

Is public involvement important to your pieces? Or are your inventions primarily made to amuse you?

Let's say it like this: I am often amused when I watch people interacting with stuff that I've made. And that's important.

You have dozens of projects you’ve worked on, but which one is your favourite? The one you’re most proud of?

My next project is always my favourite one.

What’s next for you?

Finishing this strange interview.

Ok then. For more of Niklas Roy's inventions and various oddities, visit his website here.