Shortlisted entry for Lexus Design Award 2015
Designed by: Gary Lim and Albert Lee
Studies and observations shows that stress level in Singapore is increasing over the years and that depression along with suicide cases has increased as well. We identified that distraction is a way to relieve stress temporarily, and in our project we aim to distract users by engaging multiple senses, helping them balance their state of mind.
Bloom is an interactive flower powered by arduino that responds to the users' breath. Bloom engages with the users through their tangible and intangible sense of sight, smell, touch, anticipation, curiosity, surprise, immersion and closure. There are 4 parts to bloom, the flower head, stalk, base and the technology behind it, each developing multiple layers of visceral elements building upon one another.
Bloom helps keep people in distraction, balancing their state of mind, allows for inter-personal connectivity and at a higher level possible, policy or welfare changes.
Product Description
The 3 different flower heads emitting 3 different scent when breathed; Rose, Lavender and Jasmine. Each has its own relaxing, soothing and calming effects.
The stalks were slightly tapered and bent with its inside frosted to capture light emitted from the head. The natural graphics that were sandblasted on the outside not only capture the light and glow, it too gives the additional layer of tactility.
The base houses the electronics hidden beneath the soil. It was designed as such so that it creates a modular system where one can use this design in many different scenarios.
Possible material changes to the base could add additional visceral elements, according to each preferences.
Rendered Contexts
Working Prototype
