1.Problem When people work or study, they often rely on their phones to check time, which easily leads to distraction and procrastination. So a physical timer without screen can help people maintain focus by visualizing time’s passing without interruptions.
2.idea I wanna make a small desktop Pomodoro timer that visualizes time through a strip of LEDs.(now I wanna make it with scattered LEDs)
Each LED represents a segment of time — as minutes pass, the LEDs gradually turn off one by one, creating a calm and intuitive sense of progress.
When the timer finishes (e.g., after 25 minutes), the LEDs flash softly or fade in/out to indicate the end of the focus session.
I will make a “Bai Wuchang” costume: a white tall hat + cape + mask (with a long red tongue). The mood is an eerie, ritual style from Chinese/Eastern culture.
During the parade at night, a cool-white breathing light will run along the hat brim and the inner edge of the cape, so from far away it looks like a silent underworld procession. A faint red glow will come from the mask’s mouth.
I plan to use EVA foam inside the tall hat and at the tip of the long tongue to keep the shape.
2.Arduino part
I plan to use two long NeoPixel LED strips to make a white breathing effect, and one separate LED ring behind the mask for a red glow. (If it’s too expensive, I’ll remove the NeoPixel strip along the cape edge lol)
3.Next Steps (To-Do)
（1）Measure my shoulder width/length and head circumference. （2）Draw flat pattern pieces for the tall hat, cape, and long tongue. （3）Cut fabric along the pattern lines. （4）Decide the circuit diagram and how everything connects to one power switch; plan the wire routing inside the hat/cape/mask. （5）Cut the EVA foam pieces (hat lining, tongue tip/core). （6）Choose the final mask material, then buy it. （7）Make the mask shape: cut eye and mouth openings. （8）Sew each part (hat, cape, tongue), then join the parts. （9）Install the LED strips/ring and diffusers, secure wires, and test. （10）Upload code, test breathing white and red glow, and do a fit check.
After reading many websites and materials about Halloween, I learned that it is a festival related to the dead, disguise, and driving away evil spirits. I started to think — can I mix Chinese traditional culture with it?
So, I thought of a famous pair of underworld gods from Chinese mythology — Heibai Wuchang (Black and White Impermanence). They are ghost catchers who help the King of Hell punish evil and reward good.
White Impermanence is said to be a hanged ghost, with a long tongue, a tall white hat on his head, and handcuffs in his hand.
Black Impermanence has a fierce face, a yellow talisman on his forehead, a tall black hat, and chains around his neck.
3 🎃
For many people in China, the first image of Halloween comes from pop culture and store décor: the “evil pumpkin face”—a jack-o’-lantern with triangular eyes and a jagged grin.
This heart-shaped lamp is designed for people who want to express love to someone special, such as parents, a partner, or other loved ones. Inside the lamp, eight red LEDs form the shape of a heart, symbolizing strong and passionate feelings. In the center, there is one warm yellow LED, glowing softly like a heart full of warmth.
Materials
Ivory minky fabric
White sheer organza fabric
White sewing wires
2 diffused yellow leds
3 AAA batteries
2 100 Ohms registers
Circuit Diagram
Process
I first drew a perfect heart in Adobe Illustrator, including seam allowances.
Next, I laid my monitor flat, fixed the minky fabric onto the screen, and used a marker to trace the outline for cutting.
After cutting, I sewed the pieces with a sewing machine and turned it right-side out.
I stuffed in foam and the light (LED bulb), then stitched the opening closed to finish.
In a quiet park at night, glowing mushrooms appear on the grass and along the forest paths. During the day, they stay quietly under the trees, looking just like ordinary mushrooms. But at night, they light up their bodies and guide people who are out for a walk.
This lamp is designed for people who enjoy walking in parks and quiet places at night.
MoonRest (Moon Pillow Lamp)
The moon-shaped lamp is actually a pillow that can be worn around the neck. The idea came from my recent night flight, when I was very sleepy but couldn’t rest comfortably. This design gives both comfort and gentle light.
On the two ends and the sides of the pillow, there are soft warm yellow LEDs. They can be used as an eye-friendly reading light while traveling or relaxing. When it’s time to sleep, the lights can be turned off, leaving only the comfort of the pillow.
This lamp is designed for people who travel at night or need a cozy way to read and rest. It feels like carrying a piece of the moon with you, giving both light and comfort on the journey.
HeartGlow (Heart Lamp)
This heart-shaped lamp is designed for people who want to express love to someone special, such as parents, a partner, or other loved ones. Inside the lamp, eight red LEDs form the shape of a heart, symbolizing strong and passionate feelings. In the center, there is one warm yellow LED, glowing softly like a heart full of warmth.
09.24
In the final design, I choose the Heartglow. I decided to add some decorative elements: two veil-like pieces, similar to a wedding veil, will be sewn onto the upper ends of the heart shape to enhance its romantic feeling and visual layering.
For the main body material, I initially considered four options: cotton fabric, plush, silk, and polyester.
Cotton fabric: inexpensive and breathable, but the texture is rather ordinary and lacks a refined appearance.
Silk: smooth and cool to the touch with a luxurious look, but costly and less durable for long-term use.
Polyester: strong, durable, and affordable, yet the texture feels relatively hard and less warm or inviting.
Plush (high-pile fabric): soft, cozy, and fluffy, giving the product a cute and comforting appearance. It also provides warmth and perfectly aligns with the theme of “love and warmth.”
After comparison, I ultimately chose plush as the main material. Its softness and friendly touch make the product more than just a lamp—it becomes a warm companion. The fluffy look also enhances its cuteness and emotional expression.
For the added decoration, I selected semi-transparent organza to create the veil. This lightweight and airy material produces a romantic atmosphere while contrasting with the thickness of the plush fabric, creating a richer and more layered visual effect.
Born and raised in Chongqing, China, Aijun Jiang received his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, where he studied in the Sino-Italian Cooperative Education Program with the University of Genoa.
My design practice spans product design, interaction, and service, with projects ranging from a pregnancy stretch mark antipruritic device to a modular furniture sofa series and a volunteering platform app.My independent project on a stretch mark relief device reflected my interest in user-centered research, material exploration, and prototyping. I have been recognized with the Third Prize in the Beijing Region at the 7th Milan Design Week China Collegiate Design Competition & Exhibition.
I’m passionate about exploring how industrial design can integrate interaction, sustainability, and cultural perspectives.
