Project information
- Category: Product Design
- Client: SUTD (school)
- Project date: 01 - 04/2021 (Term 2)
Smart Array
This was my group's 3.007 Design Thinking and Innovation module project.
For the first 6 weeks, my group and I learnt methods on how to approach problem-solving, and successfully ideate.
Theme: Post-pandemic
Inspiration and Ideation
Our inspiration was Isamu Noguchi's Playground, and we used the modularity of the playground blocks in our design. We wanted a modular design, that could be altered based on the context, so it will be useful even in pandemic, post-pandemic, or new norms.
Initially, we focused on the table and chair design, but we saw the potential in a smart lighting array. When a user sits on the chair, the pressure plates under each seat will be triggered, changing the colour of our Smart Array ceiling.
- Blue - all unoccupied
- Yellow - occupied
- Green - available
- Red - unavailable
Prototype Making - Lights
We decided to go with a 4x3 light array, to simulate the LED array above each table. After soldering the wires, we tested the lights with the Arduino and our code.
Prototype Making - Acrylic and Tables, Chairs
The miniature prototype was made in SUTD's Fabrication Lab. The tables and chairs were 3D-printed, and the acrylic base was designed in Adobe Illustrator and lasercut with the Spirit GLS.
Final Prototype Assembly
In the final stretch of the project, we soldered the resistors (they act as the pressure plate), assembled the parts together and held final testing.
We decided to use recycled boxes (shoebox, fruit boxes) to house our wires and prop our prototype up. The simple reason is simplicity and sustainability.