the lumitempo pomodoro timer uses 10-15 casted candle-like led lights, which gradually illuminate over a 25-minute timer to provide a calming study aid. the design incorporates embedded programming, laser cutting, 3d printing, molding and casting, and touch sensors. during the break period, the leds perform a wave animation, adding a soothing visual effect.
i use this pomodoro timer practically every day, so making a sort of machine out of it seemed to be a cool idea. i wanted to think about what forms i could use, so i started looking at lamps in art and design online. i found an infinity box-style tulip lamp and thought it would be cool to make my own version of it. i wanted to keep the mirror box form, but i had to give more thought about what to fill it with. i looked at some art from yayoi kusama and josiah mcelheny and went “wow that’s cool” but couldn’t find any direct inspo. i decided on making little candles to fill up the box.
electronics
housing
the electronics are relatively simple, involving one sensor and one output. I designed one pcb in order to bridge the two of these functions. Below is an overview of how I designed the pcb. Please see my the electronics design week for more detailed information.
