Final project time!
Here are my initial ideas / sketches:
1 — Glow Rug
I’m inspired by this project by Dara Benno, designed to reduce the need for light usage at night.
I think it could be cool to create a rug that activates / lights up when walked on, like bioluminescent algae. The rug could serve as a visual reminder of our environmental footprint, while also making a convenient, automatic and as needed night light.
Here are some visual references:
This project would give me an opportunity to work with the tufter, which I’ve been hoping to try!
Execution:
– I’m assuming I can use a pressure sensor to activate the change
– I’m not sure how I would incorporate lights into the construction of the rug
– I have no idea how to get this sort of area-specific activation and will have to do more research.
2 — Plant / Lamp Window Pane
For a while now I’ve been thinking about creating a portable window. I always feel better when I can look outside and see something green, but often, we don’t have the choice of what we can see from our window, or if we have access to a window at all.
I’d like to create a frame or a room divider that looks like there is a plant on the other side of it, with light shining through it.
It could be nice to explore different plastic textures, like these pixelated options or corrugated plastic perhaps, to give different feels and effects. It could be nice to explore different window shapes too — perhalps round like a submarine? Or irregular?
3 — Princess iPhone Holder
I hate my cell phone so much. I think it would be way more fun to have a house phone that rings that delightful old-school ring when a friend calls. I really dig Dreyfus’ Princess Phones and these chunky guys:
Could I retrofit a retro phone to act like a phone case, and take my calls through the Princess phone instead?
4 — Cell Phone Toaster
It’s a toaster with the heating element removed. You put your phone in one of the bread slots and you can’t take it out until it pops. I think it should also emit a nice light from the sides, to create a positive experience while you’re phone-less.
5 — How about just some cool art?
Like a cool glowing frame that changes its color based on the art? Or some light behind pigmented resins? Or maybe art that interacts with the viewer’s palm print in some way…
Looking forward to feedback.