Our project invites users to explore the principles of gardening through collaboration. The interactive platform features NeoPixel LED lights that activate when users step onto designated spots, signalling that teamwork is required. When three users are present, a sun element gradually illuminates, symbolising the power of collective effort. On the platform, plants respond dynamically to user actions such as watering and pollination. If environmental conditions become unbalanced—for instance, due to excessive rain—the plants may wither and darken, reflecting decay. In contrast, effective collaboration that maintains balance enables the plants to flourish, bloom, and activate immersive sensory feedback, including birdsong. By simulating the delicate balance of natural ecosystems, this project emphasises gardening as a shared responsibility. Users learn to regulate key growth factors and, through real-time coordination, gain a deeper appreciation for plant care and the role of teamwork in sustaining life.
Technical Description
Technology Hardware & Software
Arduino Ultrasonic Sensor with NeoPixelLED Strip
Arduino Ultrasonic Sensor with NeoPixelLED Strip
Our team created a sensor-based light that detects the distance between users and the EverGrow installation. When a user approaches, the light turns on; when they move away, it turns off. This serves as a subtle hint, indicating that the garden requires three people to collaborate in order to activate the other interactive elements.
3D Sun with NeoPixel LED Strip
The sun was created using 3D printing technology, forming a smooth, semi-translucent sphere that responds to user interaction. It is connected to three independent sensor-activated NeoPixel LED strips placed in the surrounding environment. When all three light strips are triggered—indicating the presence and coordinated actions of three participants—the Light Ball gently illuminates. This glowing cue acts as both a visual signal and a symbolic gesture: the game is now activated, inviting players into a shared experience.
3D Print Watering Can with Accelerometer Sensor and NeoPixel LED Strip
We 3D-printed watering cans and equipped them with an accelerometer and an NeoPixelLED strip to simulate the act of watering. The accelerometer detects when the user tilts the can to pour water, triggering the NeoPixel LEDs to light up sequentially—mimicking the flow of water, which contributes garden.
Insects with Vibration and Watering Can to Flower Interaction
The system uses accelerometers, vibration motors and servos to create interactive physical responses simulating plant-related behaviors. Each bag of soil is equipped with an accelerometer and a motor driver. When a user shakes or interacts with the accelerometer, the system triggers both a vibration motor installed in the garden and a servo installed in the flower base. The vibration simulates the movement of a pollinating insect, stimulating the flower to mimic pollination. For the watering can interaction, another accelerometer detects tilting or pouring gestures. When the user performs this motion, the servo activates the flower to grow or wither simulating the results of watering a plant, enhancing the sense of natural interaction and care.
3D Printed Mechanical Flowers
We used 3D printing technology to custom-design both the flowers and their stems, creating a unique and tactile set of interactive blooms. Each flower contains an internal light source that responds dynamically to player interactions. Depending on how players engage with objects like the bug or the watering can, the flowers will either flourish or wither—reflected visually through changes in light color and intensity. This interplay represents the impact of actions within the game world, bringing the flowers to life as responsive, symbolic elements of the users coordination.
3D Printed Mechanical Rotation Assist
We custom-designed mechanical components to support the rotation of the flower structures. Using 3D printing, we fabricated gears that connect to a servo motor, enabling smooth and controlled movement. To ensure stability during operation, we also designed a custom base plate with specified screw holes, allowing the entire mechanism to be securely mounted onto our wooden platform. This prevents unwanted movement when the servo and flower rotate in tandem, ensuring consistent and precise motion.
