Dumpling Prototype
Three Quick Ideas:
1.Sleep Guardian
Background Story: A regular sleep schedule is something many young people aspire to for better health, yet in reality it is often difficult to maintain. Many times people completely lose track of time, only to realize it is already late at night. For those who work hard, long hours of effort can also lead them to neglect proper rest. That is why I designed this small night lamp—to act as a gentle alarm that reminds people to pay attention to their bedtime and protect their health.
Red light glowing slow–fast: go to bed now!
Yellow light: Remember to get some rest
Interaction: Squish/push the fluffy light to count down the time.
2.HydroBuddy Glow
Staying hydrated is a simple habit many people know is important for health, but in daily life it is often overlooked. With busy schedules, long hours of work, or constant focus on screens, people forget to drink water until they feel tired or unwell. This small reminder lamp was designed to serve as a gentle signal, encouraging people to pause, take a sip, and care for their bodies. It is not just a light, but a small reminder that health often begins with the simplest actions.
Blue light: Just drank the water
Yellow light: Take a sip
Red light: you forgot to drink water!
The night light is a “water droplet” that reminds you to stay hydrated. When you gently squeeze or tap it, it starts a “hydration timer.” Squeeze again for next cycle.
3.EyeSaver Glow
The small lamp is like a little “eye-guardian spirit.” When you begin using your phone, you press its tiny ear to start a “countdown.” As time passes, the lamp gradually changes its glow, reminding you when your eyes need a break and guiding you to rest before fatigue sets in.
Green light: you can have fun with your “phoneriend”
Red light: put your phone on it and get some rest!
Material List:
1.Battery Pack
2.Resistors
3.LED Lights
Great brainstorm, Zoe! All three of these forms seem appropriate for the assignment, but I want to remind you that we aren’t doing interaction for this one– just light on/off. So it’s ok to include the intended features in the story, but your prototype will only contain LEDs and your battery pack, like the circuit you built during our soldering workshop. Are you leaning towards one idea or another? What materials are you thinking of using?
I really like the designs of the water-reminder lamp and the EyeSaver night light. Before I read the description of EyeSaver, what first came to my mind was that it could work as a plush night light stand for glasses before sleep. Having a fixed spot and a small light as a reminder would greatly reduce the chance of losing or damaging glasses. On the other hand, the water-reminder lamp doesn’t feel as suitable to use as a night light, since drinking too late at night might lead to waking up in the middle of the night or water retention the next day.
Zoe, your night light concept is really cute! Even though we’re not including interactions for now, I love that it could be a possibility down the line. A hydration reminder that isn’t digital is a nice thought. I am actually attempting a similar shaped night light, and I think it seems like a feasible form to construct. In photographing your final project perhaps you can add some props to the set that connect with hydration, like a glass of water on a night table, for example.
I think your concept is really great! It reminds me of Tamagotchi-style interactions—where the object feels “alive” in a subtle, emotionally engaging way. The fact that you can pinch it to reset the hydration timer makes it feel interactive without being distracting, which is great for work desks or bedside tables.