An LED-powered digital plant for millennials
Project
Cloudstera
Context
MFA Products of Design, School of Visual Arts
Work
Concept, Design, Engineering, 3D Prototyping
Say hello to Cloudstera—the dreamier digital version of the photogenic and beloved Monstera Deliciosa plant. This little creation is made from felt, foam sheet, plush filling, a flower pot, acrylic paint, and a custom-wired LED circuit. Instead of performing photosynthesis, it projects colored lighting with a custom-wired LED circuit. Additionally, each individual Cloudstera leaf can be adjusted and moved. Light up the room with fun colors and Monstera leaf shadows.
A Millennial Market
According to The Washington Post, millennials’ recent buying habits have largely included the purchasing of plants for their homes—particularly those millennials who live in cities. These urban dwellers are craving nature in any form they can get it in, turning their homes into mini jungles, or “jungalows.”
However, via a Harvard Business Review study, millennials are complete workaholics. Though they crave work-life balance, many millennial workers are actually scared of taking breaks and vacations. This means less time at home and less time to take care of their plants (which may result in an increased number of dead plants…).
And that’s where Cloudstera comes in. Cloudstera doesn’t need to be watered or turned every now and again to face the sunlight in a different indirection. It does, however, blend in with your other plants and double as a nightlight (or party light!).
