From Data to Sensation

From Data to Sensation - FEELIT: A Smart Box That Lets You Feel the Weather

Have you ever realized it’s too cold only after stepping outside? Or felt unsure what to wear, even after checking the forecast?

To address these everyday challenges, I created FEELIT—a smart home device that transforms weather data into a tangible, sensory experience. It bridges the gap between digital forecasts and physical perception, allowing users to both see and feel the weather before leaving home.

The device combines two systems: a holographic projection that visually represents current conditions, and a tactile temperature plate powered by Peltier modules, heatsinks, and an Arduino control board. Together, they deliver atmospheric visuals and accurate temperature feedback through touch.

With a focus on human-centered design, FeelIt moves beyond transactional weather apps, creating a calm, ambient interaction. Its minimalist form and natural textures invite touch, while the holographic “cloud” display adds a sense of wonder.

User testing in home-like environments showed that participants found the product intuitive, emotionally engaging, and aesthetically inviting. Subtle refinements—such as adjusting proportions—emerged to improve usability and balance.

By translating data into sensory cues, FeelIt turns a routine check into a daily ritual, blending technology, design, and nature into an immersive, accessible experience.