Floral Intelligence

A smart home décor piece inspired by biomimicry, designed to shift light temperature based on proximity.

Discipline

Product Design

Duration

1 month

Portfolio project image

DESIGN INTENT

Reimagining a decorative object as an interactive presence within the home.

Floral Intelligence explores how a familiar home accessory can move beyond static function and become responsive. Inspired by biomimicry, the lamp draws from the form and subtle behavioral qualities of flora—particularly how certain plants respond to human proximity- translating that sensitivity into light.

Portfolio project image
Portfolio project image
Portfolio project image

DEVELOPMENT

An iterative exploration across materials, electronics, and form.

The process began with simple prototypes in cardboard and paper to study structure and proportion, before transitioning into hands-on work with Arduino and electronics—an entirely new territory for me. Through iterative trials and technical adjustments, I evaluated different components and material combinations before finalizing the system with a 5V LED strip light. Air-dry clay was introduced as an unconventional medium to develop the lamp’s organic form—a bold yet instructive step that helped me understand scale, tactility, and structural behavior despite its inherent imperfections.

Portfolio project image
Portfolio project image

RESOLUTION

A functional prototype that balances form, interaction, and atmosphere.

The final piece responds to human proximity by shifting its light temperature from white to warm white to yellow, creating a subtle dialogue between user and object. While there is room for refinement in material execution, the project represents a significant step in integrating digital responsiveness with physical form- expanding my practice into interactive and adaptive design.

Portfolio project image
linkedin icon

Zainab Asghar Vajihi

Spatial Designer

New York, USA

Get in touch for collaborations, conversations, or curious ideas.

Zainab Asghar Vajihi

Spatial Designer

New York, USA

linkedin icon
Get in touch for collaborations, conversations, or curious ideas.
Get in touch for collaborations, conversations, or curious ideas.

Zainab Asghar Vajihi

Spatial Designer

New York, USA

Behance icon
linkedin icon