Nostalgorithms *
Nostalgorithms is an anthropomorphic lamp that reacts in non-compliant ways compared to modern, autonomous electronics, such as avoiding to satisfy the user's needs.
* The name Nostalgorithms combines nostalgia and algorithms to describe a system that uses code not to optimize efficiency, but to evoke connection. By embracing imperfect, expressive behaviors, the project explores how algorithmic objects can foster intimacy and attachment through interaction.
As everyday technologies become increasingly optimized to anticipate and satisfy user needs, interactions with physical objects risk becoming predictable and emotionally flat.
This speculative design project, developed for my Senior Independent Studio at STAMPS, explores how providing an object with personality can influence user experience, using interaction as a way to evoke emotion and deepen the relationship between humans and everyday objects.
For this study, I chose the lamp as my core object because it is a familiar household item embedded in intimate, quiet environments such as bedrooms and studies.
Although typically perceived as passive and utilitarian, lamps inherently mediate warmth, attention, and presence, making them a compelling platform for exploring subtle emotional and behavioral interaction.
Research
LineFORM by MIT Media Lab
LineFORM is a shape-changing interface developed by the Tangible Media Group at MIT Media Lab. It explores how a robotic linear form, a flexible robotic “line," can shift its shape to communicate, assist, or physically interact with humans. It functions both as a display and as a physical interface, morphing to become a stylus, a wristband, a lamp, or even a reactive gesture-based communicator.
What makes LineFORM compelling is that it treats form and movement as language—turning shape into a medium for expression. It breaks away from static design and proposes that objects can adapt, emote, and speak through motion.
ELEGNT: Prototype robot lamp developed by Apple engineers and scientists that was inspired by Pixar's mascot.
Apple’s research team revealed a charming concept, a Pixar-style robotic lamp prototype combining an LED light, camera, speaker, and projector. It’s designed to interact expressively such as dancing to music, reminding users to drink water by nudging a glass, checking the weather by “looking” out a window, and displaying playful emotions like faux sadness. In experiments, this “Expressive” version outperformed a purely functional model, suggesting that engaging movement and personality enhance user experience. Though still a research prototype from Apple’s Machine Learning division, it offers a tantalizing preview of future home robots—possibly launching around 2026–2027 at roughly $1,000.
Visual Inspirations
Anglepoise Type 75 Desk Lamp
Polyphemus Flashlight by Emilio Ambasz (1983)
Radilum Ettorino Table Lamp
Artemide Tizio Desk Lamp
Behavioral Observation
I recorded how the viewers felt after interacting with Nostalgorithms. Here is what happened.
User enters the room and approaches the lamp, curious.
Lamp detects movement, which serves as a surprise.
Lamp begins to move away (avoidance behavior), which evokes playfulness.
User chases the lamp out of curiosity. Lamp accelerates and changes direction.
Observers felt a sense of control when they “cornered” the lamp.
Lamp remains still until space is clear.
The more expressive and responsive the object was, the easier it was for the user to interact with it, which eventually enhanced the user experience and helped build a stronger relationship between the user and the object.
Prototyping
Following Tinkercad, I built the working chassis with components such as Arduino, DC motors, motor drivers, and ultrasonic sensors, then taped a lamp prototype made with foam board on top of the chassis.
The robot avoids people and obstacles, while the lamp rotates in two directions (left and right) through a 180-degree servo. If the viewer were to approach the robot within the radius of 50 centimeters, the robot would turn away and rotate accordingly. If two people surrounded to the robot from the front and back, it would stay still.
3D Modeling
Next, I modeled the lamp in Fusion 360, so that it could be assembled and disassembled using screws, and 3D printed it. As the lamp rotated on a 180-degree servo, torque and stability became major concerns. To prevent wobble and sudden jerks, I iterated through multiple tolerance tests on the servo housing, until the servo seated securely enough to withstand torque and be reinforced with screws.
I put Nostalgorithms to the test by making it roam around the Art & Design building to see how it would understand its surroundings and how people would interact with it. The lamp moved its head towards an approaching person, and drifted away.