Tag: Blow

I’ve seen some unusual user interfaces and input devices over the years, but one that I’ve never thought of before now is a pinwheel. Sure, there are games on the Nintendo handhelds which require that you blow on its microphone to create virtual wind, but this is definitely much a more tangible interface.

Normal candle: hey LED candle! I’m made of wax! LED candle: so am I. Normal candle: people can put me out just by blowing on my flame! LED candle: same here. Normal candle: … LED candle: people can put me ON just by blowing on my flame.

This incredible art installation records the tiniest human breathing patterns and magnifies them into a room-filling blast of wind. Created by interactive artist Scott Snibbe, Blow Up is comprised of two main pieces. On one side of the room is an array of 12 small impellers which act as a breath-controlled input device.

These minimal LED lights are designed to act like a real candle by flickering in the wind, and automatically turning off when you blow on them. The clever design even includes a giant “matchstick” which turns the candle on when struck against the side of the tubular silicon fixture.