Concept
Heartbeat Lamps is a collaborative lighting project exploring how interactive design can create a sense of connection between people who are physically apart.
The design consists of two connected objects: a small handheld 'pebble' lamp that detects the user's heartbeat, and a larger companion lamp that translates this signal into a gentle pulse of light. By sharing a person's heartbeat in real time, the lamps offer a simple, tactile way of communicating presence across distance.
The project explores how technology can be integrated into everyday objects to create more personal and meaningful interactions, combining functional lighting with an emotional experience.
Process
Developed in collaboration with friend Sophie Nather, the project combined traditional making techniques with digital fabrication and interactive electronics. Woodturning and glassblowing were used to create the physical forms, alongside laser cutting and CNC processes for producing precise components.
The interactive system was developed using Arduino programming and sensors to capture and translate a user's heartbeat into a corresponding pulse of light. The electronics were integrated alongside the physical design, with careful consideration given to component placement, usability and the overall experience of interacting with the lamps.
Throughout the project, we worked collaboratively to prototype, test and refine both the physical objects and their electronic components. This involved balancing material choices, technical requirements and the desired user experience to create a cohesive and intuitive design.
Outcome & Reflection
The finished Heartbeat Lamps combine handcrafted forms with responsive lighting to create a personal and interactive experience. The smooth, handheld pebble provides a simple way to share a heartbeat, while the larger companion lamp translates the signal into a gentle pulse of light.
The project provided valuable experience in combining traditional making techniques with electronics and digital fabrication. Developing the physical forms alongside the interactive system highlighted the importance of considering technical requirements, usability and material choices together throughout the design process.
Working collaboratively also strengthened my experience in shared problem-solving, prototyping and refining ideas through testing. The project demonstrated how thoughtful integration of technology can create products that are both functional and emotionally engaging.
Skills Used
- Wood turning
- Glass blowing
- Digital fabrication (laser cutting, CNC)
- Sensor-based interaction design
- Arduino programming and electronics
- Collaborative prototyping
- User experience & emotional interaction mapping