SpeciPod

Micro display lamp

2024 lighting / 3d-print

Materials

Used
  • Mini USB LED bulbs
  • Plastic crafting/bead jars
  • Custom 3D-printed components
  • USB plug and soldering supplies

Skills

Focus
  • 3D printing
  • Object design
  • Lighting assembly

What:

A low-power night light and ambient display for tiny things.

Why:

Inspired by 90s media like Pokemon, Digimon, and Monster Rancher, the SpeciPod is a reflection on the timeless fun of collectible objects. Displaying them where they can be seen and enjoyed is part of that fun. The form of a tiny capsule makes that display feel simple, playful, and unobtrusive.

How:

Basic materials like mini USB LED bulbs and plastic bead jars are easy to find at dollar stores. All of the components of a USB dongle light are reassembled with no waste. The 3D-printed parts are modular, so different sizes or styles can be swapped in later.

Prototype Views

Simple USB-powered lighting setup adapted from off-the-shelf parts.
Functional component shaping kept compact to preserve the clean silhouette.
Creating mini dioramas.

Variation Experiments

Using alternate LED colors.
A micro moss-arium.
Enjoying the results.

Components and Assembly

Complete and cheap bulk USB Leds.
Disassembled and reassemble the parts.
Install parts into the printed housing.
Completed Specipod ready for display.