Blooming: A playful, interactive device delivering serenity and enchantment

How do you blend technology, tranquility, and whimsy?

Ningfu Yang ’25 designed Blooming: Make a Wish for those seeking moments of serenity and enchantment in their daily lives. Leveraging advanced Arduino and TouchDesigner, Yang created a unique, interactive device that responds to light air pressure.

Ningfu Yang’s interactive device is designed to resemble a dandelion.

When a user blows on the Blooming device, their breath triggers a mesmerizing interplay of sound and visuals on a paired screen display (see video clip below).

With Blooming, Yang looked to offer people a moment of relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. She was inspired by the cross-cultural belief that blowing on a dandelion makes wishes come true.

When considering how her concept could further evolve, Yang is interested in how Blooming might serve as a healing or therapeutic device, bringing happiness and calm to those who need it most.

Yang soldering wires for her Arduino circuit in the Visual Futures Lab.

Yang building the form for her smart object in the Products of Design studio space.

Yang leveraged TouchDesigner for her interactive component.

The Arduino circuit Yang built for Blooming.