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.

In my weekly Assignment of Computer Aided Design, I illustrated a visual graphic that would correspond with my final idea and add value to it. Refer to my documentation: Week 02: Computer Aided Design

In my weekly Assignment of Computer Aided Design, I built a house on fusion 360 that I plan to Laser cut correspond with my final idea and add value to it.I am still ideating on building the structure and the Joinery. Refer to my documentation: Week 02: Computer Aided Design

Similarly, in my weekly Assignment of Computer controlled cutting, I metal engraved the visual graphic that I designed above that would correspond with my final idea throught coin building or cards and add value to the experience of the user. Refer to my documentation: Week 02: Computer Aided Design

In my weekly Assignment. I build the PCB for the left side of my model in my week 06 Electronic design

As I progressed further with my design I realised that the PCB doesn't have to be a basic geometry but can be an extended shape to reach to my desired location adding upto DFA. This will also reduce the length and clusters wires and create a clean design.

Building a new PCB

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 for idea

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.

System Integration Overview

Panel A: Fruit Shop

Input: Touch Sensor

Output: LED

Effect: Lights up a fruit basket when touched, reflecting the vibrancy of a produce stall.

Panel B: Pottery Shop

Input: IR Sensor

Output: DC Motor

Effect: Rotating display stand for pottery items.

Panel C: Clothes Shop with Mannequin

Input: Ultrasonic Sensor

Output: LED Display

Effect: Activates or display visuals of the shop when a viewer approaches.

Panel D: Perfume Shop

Input:Touch Sensor

Output: Servo with Cam/Follower Mechanism

Effect: Simulates Spices mixing by artisans through mechanical animation.

Panel E: Music Shop

Input: Switch

Output: Speaker + MP3 Player

Effect: Plays background music or poetic recitation.

Shared Elements

Controller: Xiao RP2040

Trigger Mechanism: Coin Slot/Sensor for activation

All shops are interpretations of the poem "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" by Sarojini Naidu.

Component Summary

Type	Components
Sensors	Touch, IR, Ultrasonic, Coin Switch
Outputs	LEDs, Servo Motors, DC Motors, LED Display, Speaker
Control	Seeed Xiao RP2040 Microcontroller
Audio	MP3 Player Module
Mechanics	Cam-Follower, Rotating Platforms

Structural Framework
• The entire house structure is 3D printed using PLA — including brown textured PLA and white PLA.
• The base platform is crafted from 3mm veneer plywood, providing a sturdy mount for all elements.
• Mirror acrylic is used for reflective surfaces like mirrors or faux windows.
• Transparent sheets and butter paper are used for diffusing light or creating window panels.
• Chart papers, file cards, and paper prints add detailed textures and decoration.

Aesthetic Finishing
• Painted using acrylic paints (golden, skin, orange, white, and black).
• Surface details applied with sponges and brushes.
• All parts are fixed using Fevicol and Feviquick.

Electronics & Interactive System
• Uses 3 x Seeed XIAO RP2040 microcontrollers for modular control — each handling one functional zone of the model.
• A 12V battery power bank serves as the main power source.
• LM7805 voltage regulator is used to convert 12V to 5V.
• Relay module controls high-power components like LED strips.

Input Sensors
• Touch Sensors (2) — for touch-activated events.
• IR Sensor — for proximity detection.
• Ultrasonic Sensor — to detect approaching objects or users.
• Coin Switch — simulates manual input or activation.

Output Sensors
• LEDs (8) — for visual feedback.
• Warm Yellow LED Strip — ambient lighting for aesthetic appeal.
• LED Display — displays messages or interaction prompts.
• DC Motor — for rotating small decorative features.
• Servo Motors (2) — to control precise movement like rotating parts or lifting elements.
• Speaker with MP3 Player Module — plays sound effects or recorded messages.

Panel-Wise Integration

Each interactive panel or section of the house includes:

• An input sensor (Touch, IR, Ultrasonic, Switch).
• An output element (LED, Motor, Display, Speaker).
• A dedicated XIAO RP2040 microcontroller managing that specific panel.

This modular design allows every functional unit to work independently while being part of the whole system. This ensures easy debugging, flexibility, and scalability.

Project Planning

BOM

Electronics

PCB Design

The complete model is divided in two Xaios as controllers the left and the right.

Code for one unit

          #include 
    
            #define TOUCH_SENSOR_1 D0  // Touch sensor 1 at D0 (Servo control)
            #define TOUCH_SENSOR_2 D2  // Touch sensor 2 at D2 (LED control)
            #define SERVO_PIN D3       // Servo motor at D3
            #define LED_PIN D10        // LED at D10
            
            Servo myServo;
            
            void setup() {
              Serial.begin(115200);  // Start Serial Monitor
              
              myServo.attach(SERVO_PIN);  // Attach the servo to pin D3
              myServo.write(0);  // Start at 0°
              
              pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);  // Set LED pin as output
              digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);  // Turn off LED initially
            }
            
            void loop() {
              int touchValue1 = analogRead(TOUCH_SENSOR_1);  // Read first touch sensor
              int touchValue2 = analogRead(TOUCH_SENSOR_2);  // Read second touch sensor
            
              Serial.print("Touch Sensor 1: ");
              Serial.print(touchValue1);
              Serial.print(" | Touch Sensor 2: ");
              Serial.println(touchValue2);
            
              // If first sensor is touched, rotate servo
              if (touchValue1 > 600) {  // Adjust threshold as needed
                Serial.println("Touch detected on Sensor 1! Rotating Servo...");
                myServo.write(180);  // Move to 180°
                delay(3000);         // Wait for 3 seconds
                myServo.write(0);    // Move back to 0°
                Serial.println("Returning to 0°");
              }
            
              // If second sensor is touched, blink LED
              if (touchValue2 > 600) {  // Adjust threshold as needed
                Serial.println("Touch detected on Sensor 2! Blinking LED...");
                digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);  // Turn LED ON
                delay(500);
                digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);   // Turn LED OFF
                delay(500);
              }
            
              delay(300);  // Small delay to avoid flooding Serial Monitor
            }
            
            
        

Tested the code. Learnt that a BO motor required a mosfet so working over it.

Re-testing with a new pcb and code and the left unit working properly.

Design

Printed and tested house form, learnt that laser cutting will be a better option here. Thus working on building a die cut for easy manufacturing.

Working on the DFA of each model.

Other components

Application and Implications

What will it do?

The project is an interactive storytelling device inspired by Sarojini Naidu’s poem "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad" and the traditional Rajasthani Kavaad. It combines mechanical movement, lighting, and audio to narrate the poem's verses. Users can engage with the device by opening its panels, triggering sensors that activate corresponding audio narrations and visual effects, creating an immersive literary experience.

Who's done what beforehand?

Similar integrations of traditional storytelling with modern technology have been explored in projects like "Breath of Flora," an interactive mechanical flower installation that responds to environmental stimuli Breath of Flora. Additionally, projects like "A Witch’s Atelier" have combined art, story electronics, and interactivity to create responsive installations A Witch’s Atelier.

What sources will you use?

Inspiration and guidance will be drawn from:

• Fab Academy archives and documentation
• Traditional Kavaad storytelling techniques
• Digital fabrication tutorials and resources
• Electronics and programming forums

What will you design?

The project will encompass:

• 2D designs for laser-cut panels featuring intricate motifs
• 3D models for mechanical components and housing
• Custom PCBs for sensor integration and control
• Embedded software for microcontroller operation

What materials and components will be used?

Materials:

• 3mm plywood for structural panels
• PLA filament for 3D printed parts
• Transparent acrylic sheets for windows
• Felt and fabric for decorative elements

Electronic Components:

• Seeed XIAO RP2040 microcontroller
• PIR motion sensors
• LED strips and individual LEDs
• Miniature speakers
• Custom-fabricated PCBs

Invention, Intellectual Property and Income

Dissemination Plan

I plan to disseminate the Book Nook of The Bazaars of Hyderabad through:

• Open-source documentation on my Fab Academy page.
• Sharing the design files and step-by-step build process on Instructables, Thingiverse, and social media (Instagram, YouTube Shorts).
• Showcasing it at art, literature, and maker fairs in India.
• Licensing it under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA) license to allow remixing and sharing for non-commercial use.

Future Possibilities

Future possibilities for this project include:

• A series of Indian literary diorama book nooks, turning classic Indian poems and stories into visual experiences. (Probability: 80%)
• Creating customized versions for libraries or museums. (Probability: 60%)
• A limited edition kit for literature lovers to assemble at home. (Probability: 40%)

These possibilities can become probable through collaborations with local artists, publishers, and FabLabs for production support.

Intellectual Property Strategy

I will license my project under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA) license. This allows others to build upon and share my work for non-commercial purposes as long as they credit me and license their new creations under identical terms.

Income Possibility

• Offer custom book nook commissions to literature and art enthusiasts.
• Sell pre-cut kits through online platforms like Etsy or niche craft markets.
• Collaborate with publishing houses or bookstores for limited edition themed art inserts.

Overview

Section	Description	Image Reference Placeholder
Introduction	Overview of the final project: interactive book nook titled The Bazaars of Hyderabad. Focuses on multisensory storytelling using light, sound, and motion.	Full view of final product
Concept & Motivation	Inspired by Sarojini Naidu’s poem. Aim: preserve heritage using digital fabrication and craft storytelling.	Mood board or initial sketches
Design & Prototyping	CAD modeled in Fusion 360. Prototyping through laser-cut MDF and 3D printed fixtures.	CAD screenshot, exploded view, assembly shots
Electronics	Xiao RP2040 microcontroller used. LEDs, speaker, copper tape, and modular wiring integrated beneath and around the base.	Circuit diagram, PCB, and mounting setup
Programming	Code written in Arduino and MicroPython. Functions: LED animation, speaker sound playback, user interaction with sensors.	Screenshot of code, logic diagram
Packaging	Panels cut in 2D and flat-packed. Modular pieces fit like a puzzle. Electronics (PCB, controller) housed beneath the structure.	Flat layout of panels or packaging diagram
System Integration	Components wired through base using copper tape. Mounts for sensors and LEDs are part of the 3D-printed elements that make up the visual structure of the nook.	System integration diagram, wiring, and mounting visuals
Final Outcome	Finished product functions as a visual and auditory storytelling artifact. Designed to appear finished and professional.	Product shots, demo video thumbnail
Future Possibilities	Explore smart interactivity, app control, multilingual audio, and potential for mass customization or cultural extension.	(Optional: Concept sketches or flowcharts)