Pipi
Pipi is a companion lighting device that can interact with people. The device combines Arduino and Protopie to create a variety of interaction modes.
Introduction
The entire project was collaboratively completed by me and two other partners. Together, we accomplished preliminary research, learning, and device conceptualization. My primary responsibility was the coding segment of the device, enabling interaction between Arduino, users, and smartphones by controlling sensors.
The installation concept based on plants. Its appearance is similar to a wrapped flower bud which gives a sense of security. At the same time, it also looks like two shells growing by the seaside. The overall shape of the installation is upward, also symbolising the thriving new life and vitality.
In modern times, people are under a lot of stress and live alone, so they often feel lonely. With our lighting installation, we wanted to provide companionship at home.
Ideation Progress
In the early stage, we encountered the problem that we could not wrap our minds around the surface meaning of real plant shapes and colors, and that the form of a companion device should not be limited to the plant itself, but should represent the feeling we want to convey to the user, and we made a lot of improvements in the interaction and the form of the device after continuous research and attempts to turn the device into a real "unreal" but warm plant.
Color
Green is a very pragmatic (down-to-earth) color. It can symbolize new beginnings and growth. It also means new life and abundance.
Yellow is considered to be the brightest and most vibrant of the warm colors. It is reminiscent of happiness and sunshine, and in design, bright yellow can add a sense of joy and pleasure.
Light blue usually indicates relaxation and calmness, while bright blue usually indicates energy and freshness, And the dark blue color is more of a sign of reliability and strength.
Red is a attention-grabbing color often used to highlight important information, buttons, or elements to capture the user's attention. Red is also frequently used as a warning sign, indicating potential danger or areas that require attention.
Sensor
Water sensor/Motion sensor/Light sensor
Lighting Mode
We have created three interactive functions: sensing the light and adjusting the light level, watering colour interaction and human sensing interaction. Sensing the light means that the device needs a short break when the light is dim, just like a human being. The watering function is a plant-like interaction, where the led strip changes as if the unit is drinking water, and a warning is given when watering is excessive. The human-sensitive interaction gives the light device a human form of communication, as it senses the presence of people nearby, the breathing light flashes and greets you at the same time.
Coding
User Experience flow
Prototype
