Samrudhi Rovalekar: Final Project

This is the stage where I will begin defining my final project idea in detail and familiarizing myself with the documentation process. I will systematically record my progress, including concept development, iterations, and technical insights, to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive project execution.

Research

I first learned about the Fab Lab final project from my seniors, refer to their fab final projects here: Siddharth Agarwal, Himanshi Jain and Tejas Dandge. Their impressive projects left me in awe and motivated me to create something that truly reflected my own vision. To gain deeper insights, I began exploring projects by Fab Academy graduates.Projects like: The Witches Antler and Chinese Calendar are some of the projects that particularly caught my attention. I carefully studied the processes behind these creations, which helped me understand the weekly courses taught in Fab Lab, thus shaped my approach to building and making.

After conducting thorough research, I developed three ideas and defined their structure and overview. This allowed me to evaluate each concept before selecting the final idea to pursue. The ideas that I came up with were: Responsive Furniture, Wall mounted art and Story telling model.

Responsive Furniture: Furniture that interacts with users based on their presence, movement, or actions. This could include chairs, tables, or shelves that change shape, light up, or dynamically adjust their form.

Wall Mounted Resonsive art: Cubism Art- a dynamic, interactive wall art piece inspired by cubism, where geometric shapes shift, change colors, or move in response to touch, sound, or proximity.

Story Telling model: A physical storytelling device that responds to user interaction, revealing different narratives through mechanical movement, projection, or sound.

Responsive Furniture



Wall Mounted Resonsive art



Story Telling model

As I analyzed each idea, I felt the Storytelling Model resonated with me the most. One of my fondest childhood memories is listening to stories narrated by my parents, stories once told by my grandmother. These tales weren’t just bedtime stories—they carried life lessons, shaping my understanding of the world. I wanted to capture that essence in my project.

Finding Inspiration: The Kavaad Tradition

To ground my concept in cultural heritage, I explored traditional Indian storytelling methods. That’s when I discovered Kavaad, an ancient Rajasthani storytelling tradition. A Kavaad is a wooden box with multiple hinged panels, each revealing different parts of a story as the storyteller unfolds it. The layered storytelling approach deeply fascinated me, and I realized it was the perfect medium to bring my idea to life.

Choosing the Story: A Feminine Touch

As I delved deeper into the kind of story I wanted to tell, I revisited the timeless Indian fables of Panchatantra and Jataka Tales—both rich in wisdom and moral lessons, often told through anthropomorphized animals. While these stories were deeply nostalgic, I felt the need to add a perspective that resonated even more with me—a feminine touch. This led me to study Indian women authors who have beautifully woven narratives across history. I explored the works of Arundhati Roy, Mirabai, and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, each of whom brought a unique voice to storytelling. Finally, I stumbled upon a poem that deeply moved me:

"In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" by Sarojini Naidu

This vibrant poem paints a rich and colorful picture of an Indian marketplace, celebrating traditional crafts, local artisans, and the beauty of India’s cultural heritage. Sarojini Naidu, often called the "Nightingale of India," was not only a poet but also a freedom fighter. Her words carried lyrical grace and a deep love for India's traditions. This poem felt like the perfect narrative for my project. It wasn't just a story—it was an experience, one that could be visually and emotionally brought to life in a Book Nook.

In the Bazaars of Hyderabad

What do you sell, O ye merchants?
Richly your wares are displayed.
Turbans of crimson and silver,
Tunics of purple brocade,
Mirrors with panels of amber,
Daggers with handles of jade.

What do you weigh, O ye vendors?
Saffron, lentil, and rice.
What do you grind, O ye maidens?
Sandalwood, henna, and spice.
What do you call, O ye pedlars?
Chessmen and ivory dice.

What do you make, O ye goldsmiths?
Wristlet and anklet and ring,
Bells for the feet of blue pigeons,
Frail as a dragon - fly's wing,
Girdles of gold for the dancers,
Scabbards of gold for the kings.

What do you cry, O ye Fruit merchants?
Citron, pomegranate and plum.
What do you play, O ye musicians?
Sitar, Sarangi and drum.
What do you chant, O ye magicians?
Spells for the eons to come.
What do you weave, O ye flower-girls?
With tassels of azure and red?
Crowns for the brow of a bridegroom,
Chaplets to garland his bed,
Sheets of white blossoms new-garnered
To perfume the sleep of the dead.

Finalizing the Concept: The Book Nook & Gaming Treasure box

With the story set, I explored different forms to bring it to life. That’s when I came across Book Nooks and Treasure Boxes—small, intricate dioramas placed between books on a shelf, creating an immersive world within a confined space. This format felt perfect, allowing me to blend storytelling, craftsmanship, and interaction in a way that truly reflected my personal journey. Thus, my final idea was born—a storytelling Book Nook, inspired by the traditional Kavaad and infused with the poetic world of Sarojini Naidu.
This journey, from childhood nostalgia to Indian storytelling traditions, to the voices of inspiring women, has shaped my vision. Now, I am excited to bring it to life. After finalizing my story I came across these beautiful references, Book nook and Treasure box

Reference:


Sketch:

Pondering on the Choice of Material:

• Wood/Ply/MDF: For the Kavaad/Book Nook structure and panels.
• Acrylic sheets/Cloth: For storytelling layers.
• LED lights (Output Device): For illumination inside the Book Nook.
• Hinges and fasteners: To create character mechanisms.
• Resin/Clay/3D Models: For miniature market artifacts.
• Servo Motor (Output Device): To enable movement in interactive elements, such as opening doors or animated figures.
• Input Devices (Sensors): Touch sensors or proximity sensors for interactive storytelling elements.
• Output Devices: In addition to LEDs and servo motors, small speakers or vibration motors for enhancing the storytelling experience.

Tools:

• Laser cutter for precision cutting of panels.
• CNC machine for cutting and carvings.
• Soldering for LED connections.
• 3D printer for miniature elements.
• Casting and molding for miniature market artifacts.
• PCB design for creating custom circuitry to integrate sensors, LEDs, and servo motors.

Fabrication Process: Design and Planning

• Research on existing book nooks/storytelling models.
• Concept Sketches: Initial hand-drawn layouts of the Book Nook and Treasure Box.
• Story Flow Mapping: Planning how different layers will unfold to reveal the poem and visuals.
• Designing on AutoCAD/SketchUp to design elements for laser cutting, 3D printing, etc.
• 3D Modeling: Digital modeling using Fusion 360 to finalize dimensions and form.
• Material Sourcing: Researching sustainable and lightweight materials.
• Embedding electronics into the circuitry to add elements of fun.
• PCB Milling: Fabricating a custom PCB for integrating sensors, LEDs, and servo motors.
• Embedded Programming: Coding the microcontroller to ensure the circuit functions as desired.
• Miniature Crafting: Sculpting and painting market elements (jewelry, spices, textiles).
• Mechanical Hinges/Joinery: Ensuring smooth motion of panels.
• Final Assembly: Combining all elements into the finished Book Nook.

What the Project Will Do and Who Will Use It

This project will create an interactive storytelling experience inspired by the traditional Kavaad and the poetic imagery of Sarojini Naidu. It will feature a Book Nook and a Gaming Treasure Box, integrating mechanical movements, sensors, and lights to bring stories to life. Users can explore layered visuals, unfolding narratives, and interactive elements that enhance engagement.

The purpose of this project is to preserve and celebrate India's rich storytelling heritage while making it more engaging for modern audiences. By blending tradition with technology, it aims to create an immersive and educational experience that sparks curiosity, creativity, and cultural appreciation.

The project is designed for storytelling enthusiasts, educators, children, and cultural heritage lovers who appreciate immersive experiences. It can be used as an artistic display, an educational tool, or a unique way to preserve and present folklore and poetry.

Conclusion

This project is set to be an exciting journey of blending tradition with innovation. By drawing inspiration from the Kavaad tradition and the poetic imagery of Sarojini Naidu, I aim to create an interactive and immersive storytelling experience. The Book Nook and Gaming Treasure Box will not only serve as artistic pieces but also as a tribute to India's rich storytelling heritage. This endeavor will reinforce my belief in the power of cultural narratives and hands-on craftsmanship, paving the way for future explorations in interactive design.