For this assignment, we decided to explore a student’s mental state while they are studying during Winter finals week or partying during Spring Carnival. We created petals that close around a student when they sit down to give a sense of privacy, blocking out any distractions. These petals open up when a student stands to represent them getting back out into the world and taking in their surroundings.

In this first clip, the functions of the petals are performed

We experimented with using the Bowden cable but decided to switch to warp thread because the characteristics of the fiber worked better with our prototype. The housing served two purposes – to stabilize the petals in the standing position and to guide the warp thread and reduce friction.

Finally, here is a short clip of the petals in action- From Winter Finals to Spring Carnival!