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Graduates
Giusti Yang
BS in Interaction Design — Interaction DesignCourse:
Advanced Interactive Prototyping
Faculty:
Nikita Pashenkov
Term:
2025 Fall
Spirit Lock - physical interactive puzzle experience
"Spirit Lock" is an interactive puzzle experience that merges physical computing with escape room mechanics, centered around a reimagined Ouija board interface. When activated by motion, the board illuminates cryptic letter patterns via LED lights—clues that users must decode using a cipher key hidden within a remotely unlocked box, creating a layered mystery that blends tangible interaction with digital communication.
Process:
The concept began with a question: how can we create authentic supernatural communication experiences in physical game spaces? I designed a two-device system using ESP32 microcontrollers—one embedded in a motion-sensing Ouija board, the other controlling a motorized lock box. After prototyping the Bluetooth communication logic and LED sequencing, I moved to fabrication: designing and laser-cutting custom enclosures for both the board and box, then integrating motion sensors, lighting arrays, and servo mechanisms. Drawing on UX principles, I refined the interaction flow to balance intrigue with clarity—ensuring the LED patterns felt mysterious yet decipherable, and that the unlocking sequence delivered a satisfying revelation moment.
Learning Outcomes:
This project taught me how hardware and interaction design intersect to create embodied experiences that screen-based interfaces cannot replicate. I developed technical skills in microcontroller programming, Bluetooth protocols, and physical fabrication, while applying my UX background to craft intuitive yet engaging puzzle mechanics. I learned that successful physical computing isn't just about making things work—it's about choreographing moments of discovery, surprise, and delight that emerge from the interplay between user action and responsive technology.