A physical Interactive Installation to restore the lost spiritual value of light
Ignitcube
Type
Personal Project
Physical Computing Interactive Installation & Product Design
Time
09/2024
Location
Beijing, China
In ancient times, light symbolized life and unity, cherished for its rarity. With the advent of large-scale electric systems, light became readily accessible, losing its deeper meaning and giving way to waste. IgnitCube is a physical installation that seeks to restore the lost spiritual value of light, fostering reflection and connection in today's world.
FINAL WORK
01 BACKGROUND
With the advancement of technology, light has become an accessible resource in daily life, allowing us to easily alter its properties. However, this has also led to energy waste , light pollution and other related issues.
In an era where light's physical characteristics are fully utilized, I hope to revive the original spiritual significance of light, prompting people to rethink the essence and value of light in modern society and reflect on the current state of our relationship with it.
02 design opportunities
Returning to the original symbolism of light, I began to reflect on its unique connotation that sets it apart from contemporary society, as well as new physical interaction methods related to light.
The Spiritual Symbolism of Light
In primitive societies, light is vitality, providing the essential conditions for life; light is unity, bringing tribes and communities together through cooperation; light is communication, transmitting information and signals, especially in darkness; light is supply, a precious and limited resource, cherished for its scarcity and revered for its power - Early people were filled with awe and love for light.
Then, how can physical interaction rekindle people's appreciation and reverence for light contemporary society?
Ideation
In the new physical interaction model, I plan to start from the most basic action of light and ignition, beginning with the fundamental elements. The realization of light requires kindling, which contains different properties such as heat, energy, and the elements involved; these properties influence the brightness, duration, and color of the light. Furthermore, kindling may also require an appropriate container, which includes both fixed and movable types, to safely hold and guide the propagation of light. In this new process of igniting to obtain light, I hope that people can find inspiration.
03 prototype I
- Concept to Technique
After coming up with the ideas, I used Arduino to meet the technical requirements: designing and selecting components, completing the code design, testing input and output feedback, evaluating the power supply effect, and solving any technical issues.
1
Sketch out the envisioned interaction methods and effects.
2
Connect devices and write code to observe how LED strip output effects are controlled by different input devices.
3
Try various input devices, testing and analyzing their pros and cons.
Input Device Options Analysis
I initially determined the components to use: pressure sensors for fixed light to avoid light interference, and an RFID reader for movable light to enable contactless data transmission. The kindlings were distinguished by weight and chip presence.
04 prototype II
- Structure Layout
Then, I began designing the overall structure based on the previous sketches. I started with the establishment of solid and 3D models, as well as the initial selection and test of materials.
1
Assess the feasibility of various component placements and the position and dimensions of the box openings by using PVC panels.
2
Choose the frosted acrylic to achieve a transparent and uniform lighting effect, with a plug-in structure used to ensure easy assembly and stable connections.
3
Cut out the acrylic patterns and combine them with kindling and other components to test their readings and visual effects.
Based on the physical installation and reading tests, I identified several issues, including module-object compatibility, module-material placement, and physical alignment errors, which require further adjustments .
05 Adjustment
Readings
After testing, the flex sensor showed greater sensitivity in reading the gravity of different centrifuge tubes. Therefore, I chose it over the thin film pressure sensor.
Visual effects
To make the light strip emit more evenly, I placed it into a properly sized silicone light tube. The light became more uniform and gentle.
Overall Structure Improved 3D Model
06 prototype III
- Visual Improvement
At this point, all technical and structural issues have been resolved. Finally, I focused on refining the visual effects and preparing the design for the final display.
Kindling Design
I designed labels to be affixed to the surface of centrifuge tubes - the labels indicate attributes including burn duration, color, and chip code. Also, I wrapped them with wires representing the respective light colors, which helps to hang them up later.
Lens Design
On-site Setup
07 Final display
Welcome to IgnitCube.
Ignite. Interact. Inspire.
Start your journey and experience different interaction modes with ignitCube.
Cooperative Play.
Light up together, and create a shared glow.
Pass It On.
Bring the light closer, let it illuminate your path in the dark.
Remember: Time Limit.
Every moment counts—the light dims as resources run out.
Coding
