Things used in this project

Story

A small desk prop inspired by shared imagination

This project began in a very simple way: watching the Star Wars saga from start to finish with my children for the first time.

Seeing that universe again — this time through their eyes — brought back something that often gets lost in purely technical work: the sense of wonder behind fictional technology. Devices that don’t explain themselves, but feel alive. Objects that suggest purpose, history, and internal logic, even if you never fully understand how they work.

That feeling became the seed for this build.

From fiction to a physical object

Rather than recreating a specific prop, the goal was to design something that could belong to that universe — a small desk-scale device that feels functional, contained, and intentional.

The result is an early prototype of a compact desk prop that combines exposed structure, layered light, and controlled sequencing to create the illusion of an internal process taking place.

It is not meant to be flashy or decorative in a traditional sense. It is meant to feel in-universe.

Design philosophy

The design embraces visibility without chaos.

Internal elements are deliberately exposed, but arranged with repetition and symmetry to suggest order. Light is treated as a structural component rather than an accessory, defining depth, hierarchy, and rhythm inside the object.

A significant part of the work went into finding the right balance between something that feels handmade and something that feels engineered — avoiding both excessive roughness and over-polished perfection.

Light as behavior, not just illumination

One of the defining aspects of the prototype is how it behaves when powered on.Instead of an instant “on/off” state, the device follows a short startup sequence. Lights stabilize, fade, and settle into a steady configuration, subtly suggesting energy buildup and regulation.

Once active, each group of light elements maintain a gentle, independent “breathing” rhythm. The variations are intentional: no two groups of elements pulse exactly alike, creating the impression of multiple subsystems operating in parallel rather than a single synchronized effect.

The intent is not realism, but plausibility — the same kind of visual storytelling seen in cinematic props, where behavior, timing, and imperfection help sell the fiction.

A small desk prop from a very large universe.

Electronics (at a high level)

At its core, the prototype is driven by a Raspberry Pi Pico, used as a compact and reliable controller for timing, light sequencing, and basic interaction.

The device already functions as a fully usable desk lamp. Brightness can be adjusted smoothly using a rotary encoder, allowing the light output to be fine-tuned rather than switched between preset levels. The same control is used to trigger the startup sequence, reinforcing the feeling of an active, responsive object rather than a static light.

Power was designed with flexibility in mind. The lamp can run either via USB-C or from an internal rechargeable battery, making it suitable for both permanent desk setups and cable-free use. With the current configuration, battery operation provides a little over two hours of continuous runtime, and an integrated charging circuit allows it to be recharged like a modern consumer device.

The electronics are intentionally kept approachable. This project is not about technical excess, but about using dependable, well-understood components to support fast iteration, stability, and visual experimentation — letting the technology quietly fade into the background while the object itself takes center stage.

Current state

What is shown here is a first functional prototype.

It validates the overall visual direction, proportions, and basic interaction, while leaving plenty of room for refinement. Materials, diffusion techniques, mechanical details, and interaction concepts are all areas planned for further exploration.

This stage is about defining identity — not finalizing a product.

Looking ahead

This project sits at the intersection of design, electronics, and storytelling.

One of the next steps already underway is consolidating the electronics into a dedicated PCB. The current prototype relies on separate modules, which proved effective for rapid experimentation but resulted in more wiring than desired. A custom board will allow the design to become cleaner, more robust, and easier to reproduce without losing its experimental character.

As the project evolves, it remains open to collaboration, refinement, and exploration beyond a single build. Whether that path leads toward a limited physical product, further experimental objects, or partnerships with like-minded makers and companies is intentionally left open at this stage.

For now, this prototype serves as a starting point — a tangible expression of an idea sparked by shared imagination and shaped through hands-on experimentation.

Every prototype needs a supervisor. Max takes the job seriously.

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Credits