The project is a layered interactive box that explores how cultural heritage and modern development coexist. Inside the box, a hidden 16×16 LED matrix sits beneath an acrylic sheet and a thin layer of sand. The matrix displays an animation of the Burj Khalifa, symbolizing technological growth and the UAE’s vision for the future. Above them is the acrylic divider that separates the upcoming layer with selected cultural artifacts. This represents history, identity, and memory.
The contrast between these two layers, culture above and development glowing beneath, creates a physical metaphor for the choices societies make when navigating tradition and progress. Sand softens the separation between layers and makes the discovery more tactile.
The interaction is designed to feel intuitive. When a user walks toward the box, it opens on its own as a welcoming gesture. Inside, they explore the cultural items first. After a short moment, light starts to glow through the thin layer of sand, encouraging them to brush it away. As they move the sand aside, the Burj Khalifa animation becomes clear and fully visible. This discovery invites users to reflect on three paths: prioritizing culture alone, choosing modern development alone, or finding a coexistence where both remain present.
The inputs and outputs support the interaction. A distance sensor detects when a user approaches, and this input triggers a servo motor that automatically lifts the lid of the box. Once opened, the LED matrix turns on and begins displaying the Burj Khalifa animation. The main input is the distance sensor. The outputs are the movement of the servo and the light from the LED matrix.
Your source code included in the page or as a link to your code on GitHub
https://github.com/FadyJohn10/DMA-Final-Project
As for the box design, we began by designing some motifs to add to the top layer (lid) of the box. This was done using Adobe Illustrator which was later on laser cut.
The concept of this design comes from the vintage jewelry boxes. We took inspiration from that and gave it a modernized twist to convey the idea of the project. We spray painted it to give it a more glossy feel.
For the box itself, we found a hinged box template to laser cut and adjusted it according to the dimensions that we needed.
