The Brief

Design an interactive lighting device with a secondary function for a social context of your choice.

The Context

Through investigating the social context of "Shared Communal Spaces in Flats" I identified that conflict can arise quickly in these areas due to chores and cleanliness upkeep between the users in this space.

The aim was to create a lighting device that also acted as a chore tracker/reminder system to promote engagment with chores and reduce conflict between housemates.

Ideation & Development

I developed an idea of a visual to to list, using light and physical interaction to help make communication in this context easier.

The Electronics

Using Arduino IDE I was able to create a set of electronics and respective code that used buttons and LED strips.

The goal is that different buttons will illuminate different areas of the LED strip, and continuous pressing will adjust the light level in that area, before turning the lights off.

Final Product

Buttons that allow the user to illuminate the panel they require

Easy access to electronics underneath for repairs

Chore panels that illuminate with pre engraved chores or customizable alternatives

Angled edges to allow for easy panel removal

Additional storage for extra chore panels

The shape of the panels are designed to resemble speech bubbles, this emphasises the communication aspect of the product.

Flo. works to keep shared household chores conflict free in communal spaces. It provides a visual way to keep each other accountable while allowing relationships to flourish without any unnecessary stress.

Simply press the panels to illuminate a task, with adjustable light levels to indicate its priority, and press the panel once more when the task is complete to turn off the light.