BO is a minimalist light object designed to provide a dedicated resting place for your smartphone. By placing your phone on BO, you intentionally remove it from immediate sight and interaction, encouraging a moment of digital detachment. An integrated NFC sticker automatically activates the phone’s flashlight, seamlessly transforming it into the lamp’s light source - blending functionality with thoughtful design.
Smartphone apps are designed to capture and hold our focus. With endless notifications, feeds, and content, they make it tough to step back, turning casual use into a habit and creating reliance on our devices - even when we’re trying to relax.
Setting aside your phone creates intentional pauses for focus, presence, and recovery, reminding us to value our limited attention.
Users can assign specific actions to NFC stickers - scanning one will immediately run the linked command on their device.
Using the iPhone shortcuts app, both the NFC sticker and MagSafe charger trigger specific actions: scanning the NFC sticker activates 'Do Not Disturb' and activates the flashlight, while flipping the phone on the charger disables both.
BO consists of two separate parts. The first, outer part is a minimalistic form composed of two arcs. A small dimple on the front marks the position of the NFC sticker, which is attached from the inside. The second component holds the MagSafe charger and acts as a guide for positioning the phone.
To find the optimal shape, different forms were tested and evaluated. Key aspects included handling, light distribution, and ease of 3D printing.The exact angle of the phone’s flashlight was measured to ensure that most of the light is captured by the lampshade.
The final design ensures easy phone placement. The front arc hides the phone while allowing access from the front and sides. The back arc serves as a soft light canvas, diffusing and reflecting the LED flashlight for a gentle glow.
This project was developed together with Anna Lennemann as an Applied Research Project during her internship.
