Interactive Bedside Lamp 2025
Aura is a lamp inspired by a dandelion, using a gentle blowing action to turn it on and off. At the end of the night, the user can press the button to unwind: it activates a 30-minute timer that gradually dims the light, signalling when it’s time to sleep.
Minor Studio Project: Product Design
Duration: 1 Month
November 2025
Skills: Soldering, Electronic Fabrication & Prototyping, Microcontroller Programming (AI-assisted), 3D Modelling & Printing
Challenge
The goal of this project was to design and build a low-voltage, handheld electronic device using a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 microcontroller programmed in CircuitPython.
The device must meet a minimum level of technical complexity while remaining intuitive to use. I chose to design a sound-activated lamp.
Mood Board & Ideation
This project draws inspiration from dandelions and the delicate moment when their seeds drift away with a single breath. The act of blowing became a central design gesture by replacing the traditional switch with an interaction that feels gentle and intentional. Early ideation focused on emphasizing the flower head as the primary light source, while the stem, leaves, and base were designed to flow together as a cohesive form to support the softness and lightness of the lamp.
Electronics Exploration & Prototyping
The project began with identifying and sourcing the necessary components. I worked with a sound sensor, Raspberry Pi Pico 2, perf boards, RGB LEDs, resistors, and jumper wires. Initial testing was done on a breadboard to quickly prototype and evaluate different interactions.
Main Components
Microcontroller
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 acts as the central controller of the lamp. By translating user input into responsive lighting within a compact, low-voltage system.
Sound Sensor
The sound sensor detects changes in sound and airflow. A gentle blowing interaction offers a calming alternative to traditional switches.
LED's
The RGB LED offers soft, adjustable lighting and gradual dimming, allowing the lamp to transition smoothly as part of a nighttime routine.
Code & AI
AI was used as a support tool for initial code generation
Aura was programmed using CircuitPython, with AI used as a support tool for initial code generation and troubleshooting. While this support helped get started, much of the code had to be manually adjusted through hands-on testing. For example, the sensor sensitivity, timing, and LED behaviour, to ensure the interaction feels reliable and intentional. Working through these challenges strengthened my understanding of how software and hardware interact within a physical product.
Bread Board
The breadboard was used to explore how the components worked together and to test different interactions before making anything permanent. This setup made it easy to experiment, identify issues, and refine the lamp through hands-on testing.
Initial Schematic
A simplified circuit connecting the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, sound sensor, and a single LED to test basic sound-based activation and system behaviour.
Final Schematic
The expanded circuit incorporates multiple RGB LEDs and a button. Focused on refined lighting control and a timed dimming interaction.
Soldering
After the circuit behaviour was finalized, the components were soldered onto a perf board to create a stable and reliable build. This step transitioned from experiments to a fully functional electronic system.
3D Printing
The enclosure was 3D printed to house the electronics while allowing light to softly diffuse through the material. Different print settings and wall thicknesses were tested to achieve a balance between translucency, strength, and overall form.
Materials
The lamp is fabricated using a combination of silk PLA and transparent white PETG. Silk PLA was used for the base and stem elements to provide structural stability and a subtle sheen, while transparent white PETG was selected for the petal components to allow light to softly diffuse through the form. This material combination supports both the functional requirements of the electronics and the delicate, dandelion-inspired aesthetic of the lamp.
PLA
Shiny Silk Peridot Green
PETG
Transparent White
Final Design
Aura is a lamp inspired by dandelions, activated through a gentle blowing action that turns the light on and off. This intentional gesture replaces a conventional switch with a calmer, more natural interaction. At the end of the night, users can press a single button to unwind, activating a 30-minute timer that slowly dims the light and signals the transition to sleep.
Personal Reflection
This project challenged me to move beyond concept design and fully engage with building a working product. Learning to solder, understand schematics, and integrate code with physical components pushed me outside my comfort zone. It helped me see how each design decision affects the final experience. I’m proud to see how far I’ve come with electronics from someone who has had no prior experience. I’m looking forward to how I can use these skills in the future!
