SpeciPod - miniature display tube

2024, Vancouver / lighting / 3D printing

What:

A small USB-powered LED lamp designed like a "specimen pod," like from scifi  movies and games. It functions as a low-power night light and display for small collectibles.


Why:

Inspired by 90s media like Pokémon, Digimon, and Monster Rancher, the SpeciPod is a reflection on the timeless fun of collectible objects. Displaying them where we they can see and enjoy them is part of that fun. A compact capsule that can highlight small objects in a simple but eye-catching way. In light, it's unobtrusive, in dark it draws attention with an ambient glow.


How:

The SpeciPod is made using basic materials like mini USB LED bulbs and plastic bead jars, which are easy to find at dollar stores. The USB casing and LED are reused to form the plug so nothing is wasted. 3D-printed parts are designed to be modular, so different sizes or styles can be swapped in later.


Materials: