Here’s how PixelGlass works:

Encased within the clear acrylic case is a PIR sensor, seamlessly integrated with an Arduino Wifi module. Positioned strategically to target the individual in the shower, the device accurately measures shower duration based on detected motion. The gathered data is securely stored on Adafruit.io as a feed. Upon exiting the shower area, the device halts timing and triggers a notification to the user via text message, email, or Twitter through the IFTTT platform.

In this project, an SMS reminder emerged as an ideal reporting method. However, users may prefer alternative notification options such as tweeting their shower time or triggering an audible sound on their cellphone. Placing the device near the shower enables the sound cue to signal the end of the wash-up process.

Process and Inspiration

The design process involved creating a Pixel glass shape, followed by the utilization of a laser cutter to fabricate the shapes from transparent acrylic material. By layering the pieces, a 3-dimensional structure was constructed. The inherent pixelation of the layers resonated poetically with the device's low resolution, offering a thematic alignment.

The project was Inspired by Fei-Fei Li’s TED Talk about how we are teaching computers from a set of data (and how they process a particular kind of data), as well an article in Forbes about LiFi—a category of Visible Light Communication. It was also gratifying to use the project to gain a deeper grasp of the relationship between the Internet of Things and data, learning an important lesson: “Utilizing the data in creative ways is very different from just collecting that data.”

Instructable here for this project, and perhaps be inspired to build your own!