Final Project — Aura (Space)
Aura (Space) is a modular lighting controller designed to help create the right atmosphere at the right time.
Core modes: wind down, sleep, active, and wake up. The concept features a simple physical interface (buttons + display) connected to multiple light outputs (RGB LED strips + lamps). The enclosure will use an acrylic lid for an “open design” look, showcasing the electronics.
▼ Inspiration & Research (Click to expand)
Researching #LightArt and modular interfaces.
Designer wall lamp with halo glow effect
Project goals
- Fast control: one button = one mood/mode
- Modular outputs: add/remove LED strips or lamps easily
- Clear UI: display shows current mode + status
- Open design enclosure: acrylic lid, neat cable management
First sketch
Central controller + display + buttons connecting to a power supply and multiple outputs.
Details after First sketch (click to expand)
System overview
Inputs
- Mode buttons (initially 5 buttons)
- Optional later: brightness up/down, encoder, long-press actions
Controller + UI
- Microcontroller (TBD)
- Display module (shows mode + status)
Outputs
- RGB LED strip 1
- RGB LED strip 2
- RGB LED strip 3
- Lamp 1
- Lamp 2
Power
- Power supply sized for worst-case LED brightness + lamps
- Safety: fuse, correct wire gauge, strain relief, insulated connections
Modes
Aura (Space) will include presets so the user can change the atmosphere instantly.
- Wind down 1 — warm light, low brightness, slow transitions
- Wind down 2 — softer and dimmer, minimal stimulation
- Sleep mode — lights off (or ultra-low night light)
- Active mode — brighter, cooler tone, optional dynamic effect
- Wake up mode — gradual sunrise-style ramp
Sketch 1B updates
Post-regional meeting feedback.
The project is now clearer as a modular system that can scale.
Second sketch idea — wearable heartbeat interface
My second concept is a wearable device that can read heart signals from body-sensitive points and transmit the heartbeat as a live data stream for feedback and interaction.
Second sketch details (click to expand)
Project goal
Build a wearable prototype that captures heartbeat signals, interprets them in real time, and translates them into meaningful outputs (for example, light, pulse feedback, or visual display).
Core idea
- Sensing: read heart-related bio-signals from suitable body contact points.
- Transmission: send live heartbeat data to a paired device/module.
- Feedback: convert the signal into visible or tactile interaction.
- Wearability: keep the form comfortable, stable, and safe for daily use.
Heartbeat animation memo
Interactive memo from your provided HTML file:
Open separately: seebscribe-memo.html
Aura concept details (click to expand)
Updates
- Product modularity: Variants like Aura (Space), Aura (Table), Aura (Project).
- More inputs: Light sensors, sound sensors, weather API integration.
- Optic distribution: Using optical fiber for cleaner light art effects.
- Identity + story: Connecting to my background and heritage.
Modularity & Open Design
Modularity
Core unit: controller + display + buttons.
Output modules: LED strip modules and lamp modules.
Connectors: labeled ports, consistent wiring, easy replacement.
Acrylic lid
The enclosure uses an acrylic lid to make the electronics visible.
Materials (Draft BOM)
| Qty | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microcontroller (TBD) | Selection in progress |
| 1 | Display module (TBD) | Status/Mode display |
| 5 | Buttons / switches | Mode selection |
| 3 | RGB LED strip modules | Output |
| 2 | Lamp outputs | Relay/Dimmer TBD |
| 1 | Power supply | Sized for load |
| 1 | Acrylic sheet | Enclosure lid |
Next steps
- Decide controller + display + LED type (addressable vs analog)
- Make a first wiring diagram and choose connectors
- Start 2D layout for base + acrylic lid
- Prototype one output channel (one LED strip or one lamp)