Copy of Sofi's Portfolio

Memoriascope is an interactive home object that transforms everyday spaces into portals for memory. Designed to sit on a bookshelf or coffee table, it functions like a digital scrapbook — inviting users to revisit treasured photos when longing for loved ones or reflecting on meaningful moments from the past.

Summary

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Within this box of wonder, a series of rotating mirrors and stationary mirrors provide a unique way to view memories. As the mirrors spin and the color of the lights change, unique patterns and combinations are produced, remixing the photos inside like a kaleidoscope. The fast rotation of the mirrors offer a quick glimpse at photos, creating the sensation of ﬂashing memories. Each side of the box has a viewing hole with a distance sensor above it. One view-hole is engraved with the image of a camera, representing memories in the present, and the other side is engraved with a polaroid picture frame, representing memories of the past. The sides of the box are engraved with gemstones, symbolizing precious memories.
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Design Challenge

Use a Grove Kit and the Laser Cut box to make an interactive "Box of Wonder"

Process

Concept Development
Prototyping with mechanical components
Programming Arduino components
Personalizing box with laser-cut design
Assembling components in box

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Prototyping

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Ideation

With inspiration to make a box that allows users to look inside and interact with memories like a kaleidescope / scrap book, I began experimenting with ways to make the images move. I began by 3D printing a set of gears that could spin when connected to servo motors. I also purchased programmable LED lights.

Challenges

Using Polaroids due to their small size, I attempted to position images of my memories on the gears. When this proved structurally un-sound, I instead attached the images to the inside of the box, and put tiny mirrors on the gears. This allowed for interesting patterns of images and mirror positions to be produced as the servos rotate the gears.

Assembly

I completed the design by engraving patterns on the outside of the box. To achieve a more magical effect, I adorned the box with reflective materials. Lastly, the photos lining the box and the Arduino and battery were attached with Velcro, allowing them to be changed over time.

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Results

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Through extensive prototyping and iteration, I programmed the Arduino using components from the Adafruit, Servo, and Ultrasonic libraries. I experimented with ultrasonic sensor sensitivity to determine the optimal distance at which a viewer should stand for the sensors to activate, while still allowing them to clearly see into the box. I also calibrated the speed of the servo motor controlling the rotating mirrors to achieve the desired visual effect—balancing clarity with a dynamic, fast-paced experience.

When a viewer’s face comes within approximately two inches of the view holes, the ultrasonic sensors trigger a servo motor that drives three plastic gears and activates an LED strip. Each side of the box reveals a different combination of light patterns and servo rotations. The interior is covered in reflective materials that refract the LED lights, enhancing the immersive effect. The LED animations are controlled using code adapted from the Adafruit library. I engraved the exterior of the box with symbolic imagery: one view-hole is engraved with the image of a camera, representing memories in the present, and the other side is engraved with a polaroid picture frame, representing memories of the past. The sides of the box are engraved with gemstones, symbolizing precious memories.

View my full Arduino Code

Libraries Used: adafruit, servo.h, ultrasonic.h

Skills + Tools

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Interactive Design Project

Box of Wonder

Institution

Cornell University

Area of Interest

Product & Interaction Design

Collaborators

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