The Swap-O-Matic is a swapping vending machine that allows users to donate, receive, or swap any items that fit inside the compartments. It was created by Lina Fenequito while working towards her MFA at Parsons School of Design and is intended to inspire people to rethink their consumption habits and consider more sustainable methods such as trading and reusing.

The machine has a retro design, a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and digital locks on the thirteen compartments. It uses “credit” for transactions, which is earned when users donate an item, and spent to retrieve an item from the machine. All new users receive 3 credits to start. The machine also features a user flag system to prevent misuse.

Recent items that have been swapped include a handwritten poem, metro cards, guitar picks, shoes, books, mugs, and t-shirts. The Swap-O-Matic is currently located at The Ample Hills Creamery ice-cream shop in Brooklyn, New York. The project is also seeking funding on Kickstarter in order to build and install new machines around the U.S. and update its features.

Swap-O-Matic