HELIOTROPE
HELIOTROPE
HELIOTROPE
Heliotrope is a photogram "camera" that brings life to static cyanotypes using zoetropes. Derived from the Greek words helios and trepein (to turn towards the sun), Heliotrope allows users to capture customized patterns of image sequences in the sun, and view them in real time on a turntable using a strobe light.
Made for Marcelo Coelho's 4.031: Objects and Interaction course, we were challenged with the prompt to reimagine the cyanotype image-making experience in an interactive object.
Heliotrope is a photogram "camera" that brings life to static cyanotypes using zoetropes. Derived from the Greek words helios and trepein (to turn towards the sun), Heliotrope allows users to capture customized patterns of image sequences in the sun, and view them in real time on a turntable using a strobe light.
Made for Marcelo Coelho's 4.031: Objects and Interaction course, we were challenged with the prompt to reimagine the cyanotype image-making experience in an interactive object.
Duration
6 weeks, Fall 2025
Duration
6 weeks, Fall 2025
Instructors
Marcelo Coelho
Sergio Mutis
Berfin Ataman
Instructors
Marcelo Coelho
Sergio Mutis
Berfin Ataman
Team
Rachel Poonsiriwong
Team
Rachel Poonsiriwong
Duration
6 weeks, Fall 2025
Instructors
Marcelo Coelho
Sergio Mutis
Berfin Ataman
Team
Rachel Poonsiriwong
Skills
Interaction Design
Prototyping
3D Printing
Electronics
Rhino 3D
Arduino
Skills
Interaction Design
Prototyping
3D Printing
Electronics
Rhino 3D
Arduino
Skills
Interaction Design
Prototyping
3D Printing
Electronics
Rhino 3D
Arduino
PROJECT OVERVIEW
We want to design a camera for producing cyanotypes.
Cyanotypes use a printing process that creates cyan-blue images through a UV light reaction on light-sensitive paper.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
We want to design a camera for producing cyanotypes.
Cyanotypes use a printing process that creates cyan-blue images through a UV light reaction on light-sensitive paper.
PROBLEM DEFINITION
How do we bring motion to the static nature of cyanotypes?
PROBLEM DEFINITION
How do we bring motion to the static nature of cyanotypes?
PROBLEM DEFINITION
How do we bring motion to the static nature of cyanotypes?
RESEARCH & INSPIRATIONS
During our research on analog film camera and animation methods, we distilled our findings into two initial prototypes: focal plane shutters & zoetropes.
RESEARCH & INSPIRATIONS
During our research on analog film camera and animation methods, we distilled our findings into two initial prototypes: focal plane shutters & zoetropes.
While prototyping a traditional shutter mechanism, we found that the long exposure times of the camera obscura method limited our ability to capture multiple frames.
This led us to pivot toward photograms, which allowed shorter exposures and faster iteration.
While prototyping a traditional shutter mechanism, we found that the long exposure times of the camera obscura method limited our ability to capture multiple frames.
This led us to pivot toward photograms, which allowed shorter exposures and faster iteration.
We then built a zoetrope, a pre-cinematic animation device that creates the illusion of motion by spinning a sequence of images viewed through slits.
While the spinning form didn't translate into a cyanotype camera, we looked for ways to create a top-down zoetrope animation.
We then built a zoetrope, a pre-cinematic animation device that creates the illusion of motion by spinning a sequence of images viewed through slits.
While the spinning form didn't translate into a cyanotype camera, we looked for ways to create a top-down zoetrope animation.
DESIGN GOAL
To capture and animate cyanotype photograms using zoetropes.
DESIGN GOAL
To capture and animate cyanotype photograms using zoetropes.
DESIGN GOAL
To capture and animate cyanotype photograms using zoetropes.
LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
Our first prototype made of laser cut chipboard featured a paper slot and an acrylic cover mounted on a Lazy Susan for viewing after exposure. We included:
Digital negatives printed on transparency sheets to ensure accuracy between frame count, rotation speed, and frames per second.
Lazy Susan viewer that relied on manual rotation. We experimented with both 3D-printed and metal bearings to reduce resistance and increase rotation speed, but the setup still gradually slowed down over time.
Paper slot for convenient loading/removal. However, the vertical gap between the paper and transparency sheets leaked light and blurred the images.
We also found that the zoetrope animation could only be seen through a recording device, as our phones capture distinct frames. The naked eye requires slits or a strobe light to separate each image.
LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
Our first prototype featured a paper slot for quick loading and an acrylic cover mounted on a Lazy Susan for viewing after exposure. We included:
Digital negatives printed on transparency sheets to ensure accuracy between frame count, rotation speed, and frames per second.
Lazy Susan viewer that relied on manual rotation. We experimented with both 3D-printed and metal bearings to reduce resistance and increase rotation speed, but the setup still gradually slowed down over time.
Paper slot for convenient loading/removal. However, the vertical gap between the paper and transparency sheets leaked light that blurred the images.
We also found that the zoetrope animation could only be seen through a recording device, as our phones capture distinct frames. The naked eye requires slits or a strobe light to separate each image.
LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
Our first prototype featured a paper slot for quick loading and an acrylic cover mounted on a Lazy Susan for viewing after exposure. We included:
Digital negatives printed on transparency sheets to ensure accuracy between frame count, rotation speed, and frames per second.
Lazy Susan viewer that relied on manual rotation. We experimented with both 3D-printed and metal bearings to reduce resistance and increase rotation speed, but the setup still gradually slowed down over time.
Paper slot for convenient loading/removal. However, the vertical gap between the paper and transparency sheets leaked light that blurred the images.
We also found that the zoetrope animation could only be seen through a recording device, as our phones capture distinct frames. The naked eye requires slits or a strobe light to separate each image.
ITERATION & PROTOYPING
After our first prototype, we wanted to incorporate a motor for consistent viewing, a blinking led to replicate the effect of the zoetrope's slits, and controls for the rotation and blinking speeds. We also wanted to incorporate different frame rates in the digital negatives so users could customize their own zoetrope patterns.
ITERATION & PROTOYPING
After our first prototype, we wanted to incorporate a motor for consistent viewing, a blinking led to replicate the effect of the zoetrope's slits, and controls for the rotation and blinking speeds. We also wanted to incorporate different frame rates in the digital negatives so users could customize their own zoetrope patterns.
USER JOURNEY
Place cyanotype paper and layer transparency sheets on the acrylic disc, using the center hole to align.
Expose for 5-20 minutes, depending on UV. Remove and wash paper to stop exposure.
Place zoetrope back on the disc and use the slider to begin rotating the disc.
Use your phone/camera (30/60 fps) or the blinking led in a dark room to view the animation!
USER JOURNEY
Place cyanotype paper and layer transparency sheets on the acrylic disc, using the center hole to align.
Expose for 5-20 minutes, depending on UV. Remove and wash paper to stop exposure.
Place zoetrope back on the disc and use the slider to begin rotating the disc.
Use your phone/camera (30/60 fps) or the blinking led in a dark room to view the animation!
Rotating LED arm
Rotating LED arm
Inspired by vinyl record players, we designed the blinking LED to sit on a moving “needle” arm.
The LED has two rotational degrees of freedom, letting users position it for use or move it aside.
The motors and LED are programmed with Arduino and powered through a 12V wall adapter.
A rotary potentiometer controls the LED’s blinking speed, while a slide potentiometer adjusts the motor speed.
Our final design uses birch wood, PLA printed parts and base, and sandblasted acrylic for a frosted look.
Inspired by vinyl record players, we designed the blinking LED to sit on a moving “needle” arm.
The LED has two rotational degrees of freedom, letting users position it for use or move it aside.
The motors and LED are programmed with Arduino and powered through a 12V wall adapter.
A rotary potentiometer controls the LED’s blinking speed, while a slide potentiometer adjusts the motor speed.
Our final design uses birch wood, PLA printed parts and base, and sandblasted acrylic for a frosted look.
Wiring diagram + electronics assembly
Wiring diagram + electronics assembly
Exploded rendering and measurements
Exploded rendering and measurements
FINAL PRODUCT
FINAL PRODUCT
REFLECTION
Designing and building Heliotrope taught me how to coordinate different moving parts while staying adaptable. I learned to consider fabrication and assembly from the start, designing parts that needed minimal post-processing and planning the assembly order so our electronics, woodworking, and 3D prints fit together seamlessly. Working in a team with diverse skill sets under a tight deadline pushed me to balance relying on our strengths with learning new techniques along the way.
REFLECTION
Designing and building Heliotrope taught me how to coordinate different moving parts while staying adaptable. I learned to consider fabrication and assembly from the start, designing parts that needed minimal post-processing and planning the assembly order so our electronics, woodworking, and 3D prints fit together seamlessly. Working in a team with diverse skill sets under a tight deadline pushed me to balance relying on our strengths with learning new techniques along the way.
REFLECTION
Designing and building Heliotrope taught me how to coordinate different moving parts while staying adaptable. I learned to consider fabrication and assembly from the start, designing parts that needed minimal post-processing and planning the assembly order so our electronics, woodworking, and 3D prints fit together seamlessly. Working in a team with diverse skill sets under a tight deadline pushed me to balance relying on our strengths with learning new techniques along the way.