Weiyi Yao

The exploded view on the right illustrates how the different modules fit into the product, showing both physical layering and function-driven organization. At the top sits the glass bowl, which contains water and diffuses light from the Neopixel ring hidden beneath. This is inserted into a cavity carved into the top left of the wooden shell.

In the center of the wooden shell is a recessed area designed for placing small natural elements such as stones, pods, or fallen leaves. This tactile space adds a moment of intentionality and allowing users to compose a scene of nature indoors, further reinforcing the ritualistic quality of interaction.

On the right side of the wooden shell is the interaction zone where users insert fallen natural materials. These go into the plant stand, which is mounted onto a servo motor module. The servo is housed inside the cavity of the wood base, where most of the electronics are also embedded. The electronic module, including the Arduino board, ultrasonic sensor, DFPlayer Mini, and speaker, is attached beneath the surface with provisional fastening, concealed from the user.

About Weiyi

Weiyi Yao is a product designer focusing on emotional interaction, sensory feedback, and natural materiality. With a background in design research and making, he creates poetic, reflective experiences that gently bridge digital and physical worlds, inviting presence, empathy, and meaningful engagement.