firefly
firefly is an interactive lamp that, in this age of constant connectivity, helps couples to consciously make time for one another.
A Bachelor’s project by Victoria Bremer, Isabel Pfalzgraf and Maximilian Weber
7th semester, 2023
Supervised by: Prof. Andrea Krajewski and Prof. Tsunemitsu Tanaka
In a world increasingly shaped by digital connectivity, where technologies such as smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life, the boundaries between different areas of life are becoming increasingly blurred. The feeling of having to be constantly available is now ubiquitous and is reinforced by social pressure and others’ expectations regarding one’s availability. Reaching for a smartphone to quickly write an email, check social media or reply to a message is no longer a rare occurrence — not even during social interactions. This behaviour is increasingly common amongst the people closest to us, which is why it is particularly prevalent in
Such situations can often arise in romantic relationships.
Many people complain that, due to their stressful daily lives, they have hardly any time for their partner. If this limited time together is also frequently interrupted by the smartphone, this can have negative effects not only on the quality of interaction and the relationship itself, but also on one’s own well-being within the relationship.
Becoming aware of one’s own behaviour is challenging enough. But even when those affected are aware of it, it takes considerable self-discipline to actually change it.
Approach
The aim of firefly is to encourage couples to make a conscious effort to set aside time for each other, without this being interrupted by their smartphones.
This is achieved through an interactive lamp that subtly encourages couples to consciously set aside time together, captures meaningful moments and alerts them to smartphone interruptions whilst they are engaged in shared activities.
Concept
firefly consists of a lamp with a charging module and accompanies couples through their everyday lives and special moments. The lamp comprises a light unit and a display located on the top. Points of light move within the light unit, symbolising shared moments.
If both partners decide to consciously spend time together, they can activate the system together by placing their hands on the display. Once firefly has been activated, the lamp is in active mode and requires no further operation — the movement of the points of light is gentle. If a smartphone is activated during this time, the lamp visualises that the moment has been interrupted.
The system offers the chance to change this behaviour and carry on with the moment by putting the smartphone away straight away. If this opportunity is not taken, there are further consequences: the system must be restarted in order to carry on with the moment.
The aim is to focus on the person you are with during your time together, as well as to reflect on and reduce interruptions caused by the smartphone.
Once the shared activity is complete,
the couple can exit the system in the same way as when they started it. They can then use a drawing area on the screen to create a word or a drawing together to capture the shared moment. The moment is then added to the light display in the form of a new light point and can be accessed and viewed at any time to remember the time spent together.