FloraTune
Interactive bio-sonification interface that transforms the touch of a living plant into generative ambient music, inviting visitors to reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Built through rapid prototyping and embodied-interaction studies, the project was showcased at Milan Design Week 2024.
Role
UX Design, Product Design, Physical Prototyping
Context
CHALLENGE : Choosing a topic within Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 or 12.
SDG selected - 12.8 (By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.)
OBJECTIVE : Creating a tangible, embodied-interaction prototype.
Concept
Interactive bridge device where touching a living plant completes a bio-electrical circuit, fuses human and plant signatures, and generates a unique ambient harmony, making ecological interdependence both audible and emotionally engaging.
Design Solution
EMBODIED INTERACTION | BIO-SONIC BRIDGE
SERVICE BLUEPRINT
Fragmented menus and scattered support links forced riders to dig through multiple subpages for stations, policies, and help.
PROTOTYPE STRUCTURE
The prototype was made specifically for exhibition purposes to demonstrate the technology.
Final Device
Ergonomic studies, combining theory and hands-on trials, led to five 3D-printed grip prototypes that balance comfort with reliable bio-signal capture for the exhibition tests. One was finally selected and used in the prototype.
ERGONOMICS STUDY
Selected Design
PROTOTYPE
User touching the plant while holding FloraTune
Sensor attached to the plant
Key Takeaways
Social, multisensory interactions such as together in a group leaves a stronger emotional imprint than single-user experiences.
Combining audio and light feedback lets visitors grasp the plant-human interaction faster than a single sensory cue.
App connectivity in the future has the potential to create and connect communities without geographical barriers.