📝 Instructable: Wireless Calcifer–Star Light Lamp: Sculpting a Tangible Focus Totem with Hot Glue, Clay
📖 1. Introduction
“A spark needs a home to burn.”
In our digital age, attention is often fragmented. To reclaim my focus, I recreated Calcifer, the fire demon from Howl’s Moving Castle, and designed him as a physical focus switch.
This project features no complex code and no batteries inside the character. It utilizes Inductive Power Transfer technology to achieve a “magical” wireless lighting effect.
The Ritual: When I place Calcifer on the log, he gains energy and lights up—symbolizing the start of work.
The Release: When I remove him, the light extinguishes—symbolizing rest and freedom.
It is a minimalist interactive installation that blends electronics with sculptural art.
This project recreates the iconic “?” Question Box from the Super Mario video game series as an interactive prop. When someone punches or taps the bottom of the box, it lights up brightly and plays a Mario coin sound, just like in the game when Mario collects a coin or power-up.
The intention behind this costume prop is to bring nostalgia and fun to Halloween. It’s not designed to scare people — it’s designed to make people smile and feel like they’re inside the Mario world. When friends see the glowing box and hear the coin sound, they immediately recognize it and often want to “hit” it themselves! It’s both interactive and playful, perfect for a group or gaming-themed costume.
Concept: Inspired by the iconic Question Block from the Super Mario games, this interactive box lights up and changes color whenever it’s “hit” from below — just like in the game when Mario punches it to release a coin or power-up. The project uses NeoPixel LEDs for vivid lighting effects and an impact sensor (or push button) at the bottom to detect the punch or tap.
Objective: To recreate a nostalgic video game interaction using Arduino and NeoPixel LEDs, demonstrating how sensors can trigger real-time lighting animations.
Take Away…
I chose the Mario Question Box as my Halloween costume because Super Mario has always been one of my favorite games. I’m obsessed with its playful, dynamic style—so I decided to bring the iconic question mark box to life! My first plan was to buy the costume online and then build the box myself. After discussing the idea with Becky, I began modeling the design, bought two rolls of filament, and started 3D printing in the wood shop. Everything went smoothly, except for the printing time—it took almost two full days! Thankfully, Becky kindly provided me with a sound board, and Wini helped me a lot with the circuit assembly.Besides， thanks for woodshop staff members helping me to set up the printer!
During the soldering phase, I experimented with different ways to prevent short circuits on the Gemma board while ensuring there was enough power for the speaker. It was a long and sometimes frustrating process, but eventually, the LEDs worked perfectly and the soundboard played flawlessly. Through this project, I learned two important lessons: patience in problem-solving and the true value of teamwork.
If I had the chance to redo it, I would design a more elastic mechanism to switch the lights on and off, and connect the sound board to a more stable power source for better performance.
This project recreates the iconic “?” Question Box from the Super Mario video game series as an interactive prop. When someone punches or taps the bottom of the box, it lights up brightly and plays a Mario coin sound, just like in the game when Mario collects a coin or power-up.
The intention behind this costume prop is to bring nostalgia and fun to Halloween. It’s not designed to scare people — it’s designed to make people smile and feel like they’re inside the Mario world. When friends see the glowing box and hear the coin sound, they immediately recognize it and often want to “hit” it themselves! It’s both interactive and playful, perfect for a group or gaming-themed costume.
Concept: Inspired by the iconic Question Block from the Super Mario games, this interactive box lights up and changes color whenever it’s “hit” from below — just like in the game when Mario punches it to release a coin or power-up. The project uses NeoPixel LEDs for vivid lighting effects and an impact sensor (or push button) at the bottom to detect the punch or tap.
Objective: To recreate a nostalgic video game interaction using Arduino and NeoPixel LEDs, demonstrating how sensors can trigger real-time lighting animations.
Step-by-Step Build Process
1️⃣ Prototype on Breadboard
Connect Arduino, DFPlayer, button, and LED strip on breadboard.
Upload code to test light + sound reaction.
2️⃣ Prepare the Box
Build or purchase a yellow box (15–20 cm cube).
Cut question marks (white “?”) from paper or vinyl.
Mount LED strip inside the box edges (with the arrows following data flow).
3️⃣ Install Components
Fix Arduino + DFPlayer inside the bottom compartment.
Mount the button under the bottom panel (acts as the “hit detector”).
Place the speaker facing downward through a small hole for louder sound.
Secure all wiring with hot glue or Velcro.
4️⃣ Power and Testing
Connect USB power bank → Arduino’s USB port.
Press the bottom to test:
LEDs flash and shift colors ✨
Coin sound plays 🔊
5️⃣ Adjust Brightness & Volume
🧠 Physical Construction
Box Design
Construct a cube (around 15–20 cm) using yellow cardboard, acrylic, or foam board.
Add white “?” symbols on all sides for the authentic Mario look.
Install NeoPixel LEDs inside the box so the light diffuses softly through the walls.
The bottom panel will house the button or impact sensor — users can punch or tap it to activate the light show.
Electronics Placement
Place the Arduino Nano inside or beneath the box.
Wires from the impact sensor and LEDs feed into the Arduino through small holes.
The power supply (battery pack) can sit outside or be hidden beneath the display stand.
Ideation1:Squid Game Mask – Interactive NeoPixel LED Costume
Concept: This interactive Squid Game mask merges pop culture with creative engineering. The square LED frame on the front of the mask is made of NeoPixel LEDs controlled by an Arduino board. Each LED is individually addressable, allowing dynamic lighting effects such as color transitions, breathing effects, and rainbow animations. The wearer can switch between lighting modes using a small push button hidden inside or behind the mask.
Objective: To create a visually stunning, programmable Halloween mask that demonstrates Arduino’s control over addressable LEDs, while preserving the iconic Squid Game guard design.
Concept: This Super Mario Question Block — when you hit the bottom of the box, it lights up, sparkles, and changes color just like in the game. It’s powered by an Arduino Uno and NeoPixel LED strip, using a push button (or vibration sensor) to detect when the box is struck.
Objective: To build an interactive object that uses Arduino Uno to control NeoPixel lighting effects triggered by physical input — combining creativity, electronics, and game-inspired design.
Ideation3:Glowing Stick Figure Costume with Dynamic Expression Face
Concept: Combine with wearable technology and creative expression. The costume transforms the wearer into a glowing stick figure — every limb is outlined with addressable NeoPixel LEDs controlled by an Arduino Uno. The head features a programmable digital face screen, capable of displaying different facial expressions such as happy, angry, or surprised.
Users can press a button or use a sensor to switch between expressions, giving the illusion of a living, reactive digital character.
Objective: To design a full-body interactive costume that demonstrates both LED control and real-time facial animation using Arduino Uno and a small display module.
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
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!
Step1:Take out the battery and bottom plastic cover
1.Use a coin to rotate the battery in 90 degrees clockwise and lift up out of the computer.
2.Use flathead screw driver remove the soft pads.
3.Use phillips screw driver unscrew the three bottom socket parts.
4.Use hex driver(T8 Torx ) unscrew the three parts on the bottom center.
5.Flip the computer into front side and remove the two Phillips screws on the right side of the battery .
6.Squiz in the battery part edge and release all the slot around the whole computer. Continue to use the flathead screw driver seperate along the cover.
Step2:Take out Top plastic cover , Airport Card, Keyboard, and Top metal cover
1.Unscrew the center part with small flathead screw driver in 180 degreses.
2Pull the keyboard tabs on the both top sides inwards and lift up.
3.Push the wire clasp away from one side of the Airport card, and take out from the RAM shield.
4.Remove the three identical 3-mm long screws from the Y-shaped bracket that fits over the AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card. Remove the two identical 3-mm long screws from the AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card. Pull the transparent tab and take Airport card out. Hold tight the Airport card and remove the antenna cable.
5.Remove the four phillips screws on the RAM Shield.
6. Remove theRAM shield and pull out the keyboard connector.
7.Holding the card at the corner and pull out from memory slot.
8.Remove the top plastice cover.
One 3.5-mm long Phillips screw at lower left corner
Two identical 4.5-mm long Phillips screws
9.Use phillips screw driver carefully remove the top metal cover.
Two 4.5-mm long screw
Fourteen 3-mm long screws
10.Lift up the upper cover metal cover and unplug the blue and white cable. Also, unplug the colourful speaker cable.
11.Unplug all the connector from the logic board and remove all the taps.
Step3:Remove the bottome metal shield and take out parts
1.Flip over the computer and remove the following screws:
Three 4.5-mm long screws with beveled heads at optical drive slot-load area
Three 3.5-mm long screws
Four 14.5-mm long screws
One 12-mm long screw
2.Lift up the bottom metal shield carefully.
Step4:Remove DC-in board
3.Remove any tape along the logic board, and unplug all the connectors.
4.Remove the 3mm phillips screw from the DC-in board.
5.Remove two7.5mm phillips screws which lock the battery at the bottom left edge.
6.Disconnect the battery transfer board from the logic board.
7.Remove the four 3.5mm phillips screws which secure the fan on top.
8.Disconnect the fan cable from the logic board.
9.Remove any tape which on the board.
Step5:Remove Sleep light Board
1.Peel up any tape that may hold the cable in place. Disconnect the cable that attaches the sleep light board to the logic board.
2.Turn over the computer and remove the 4.5-mm long screw from the sleep light holder and frame.
Step6:Remove Display Latch
1.Using your fingernail, tilt up the brown hinged locking connector and slide out the trackpad cable.
2.Holding the top case steady, press the latch button in and under the lip of the top case.
Step7:Remove I/O Bezel
1.With the computer on a soft cloth, remove the two screws from the I/O bezel and frame:
3-mm long screw at longer tab
2-mm long screw at shorter tab
Step8:Remove RJ11 Modem Cable
1.lift up the modem sleeve and disconnect the RJ11 modem cable from the modem board.
2.slide the modem port forward and off of the logic board.
Step9:Disassemble Vent Cover, Heat Sink, and Logic Board.
1.Remove the vent cover from the computer assembly
2.With the computer assembly on a soft cloth, remove the following from the heatsink:
Two 6-mm long Phillips screws
Two 7-mm long hex nuts with captive springs
One 4.5-mm long Phillips screw
Three 3-mm long Phillips screws
3.Carefully lift up the heat sink.
4.With the computer on a soft cloth, disconnect the following cables:
reed switch cable
optical drive cable
5.Turn over the frame, and peel up any tape that covers the logic board.
Disconnect the sleep light cable and the fan cable
6.Turn over the frame, and remove the following from the logic board:
Two 6-mm long screws
One 3.5-mm long screw
Eight 4.5-mm long screws
Step10:Remove Hard Drive
1.Remove the six identical 4.5-mm long screws:
two from the holder over the hard drive connector
four from the hard drive brackets
2.Lift off the holder from the hard drive connector.
3.Carefully lossen the connector.
4.Using a Torx T8 screwdriver, remove the four identical, black, 7-mm long screws from the sides of the drive.
Step11:Remove Reed Swich Board
1.. Disconnect the connector from the logic board. Peel up or loosen the tape from the optical drive and frame.
Step12:Remove Optical Drive
1.Remove the following from the optical drive:
3-mm long screw at upper left corner of drive
6-mm long screw at upper right corner of drive
6-mm long screw at lower left corner of drive
2.Remove the two identical 3-mm long screws that hold the bracket to the optical drive.
3.Remove the 4.5-mm long screws that hold the mounting bracket to the optical drive.
4. Press and pull off the bezel from the drive.
Step13:Disassemble Display Module
1.Starting at the microphone cable connector, carefully pull up on the cable to remove it from the computer assembly.
2.While supporting the display, turn over the computer, and disconnect the invertercable from bottom of the logic board.
3.Remove the two phillips screw on display hinge.
4.Starting at a corner of the display, use a black stick to pry up the bezel from the display housing
5.Peel up the long strip of white tape where it covers the clutch cover screw on the right.
6.Near the right and left sides of the clutch, remove the two 12-mm long screws that secure the clutch cover to the hinge assembly.
7.Tilt up the display assembly and pull straight down on the display clutch cover to remove the clutch cover from the display assembly
8.Notice the U-shaped notches on the sides of the bezel. Remove the four 3.5-mm long Phillips screws (two on each side) from the display shield. (Move aside any cables or tape that partially block access to the screws.)
First part which interested me is the battery design, comparing with present sealed battery. One of the most notable design choices in the iBook G4 was its battery. Apple created “coin lock”, removable unit that blended into the curved base. This decision was both practical and aesthetic. At a time when mobile use often exceeded a single charge, users could easily replace the battery without tools. Instead of keepping the high capacity battery inside with all the boards and components, this design would avoid hurting other crucial parts when the battery was damaged.
Another important feature was the keyboard. The iBook G4 used a full-sized layout with wider spacing and a large palm rest which integrated with authentic ergnomic considers. For the similar reason that this keyboard was also design as easyily replacable tool. No need to fix it in a complex way, it could easily operate by our own. Thus, these are the two components that interested me the most.
Hello! This is Guangyu Wang(Zoe), a new graduate member in SVA. Before studying in the USA, I was born and raised in Beijing, China. Since growing up, I have always been interested in “broke” something and observing the contents inside a product. This supports my future direction in the product design field. Driven by a strong desire to delve deeper into this field, I chose to study at Syracuse for five years, and I recently graduated with a major in Industrial Design. Nonetheless, at the spare time I love snowboarding, traveling, and swimming etc.. Also, playing with lego often for fun. Overall, I am a person who really enjoying the life and making each day count. Besides, talking about what I expect in this course, I would love to learn the real code writing! Thank you!
