This plant will die if I'm on my phone too much

Key Concepts

• Applause Machine: A mechanical device that generates applause, originally built by the creator.
• KiwiCo Collaboration: A partnership with KiwiCo to create an educational crate based on the applause machine concept, adapted into a mini-golf game.
• Phone Addiction Mitigation Project: A new project aimed at reducing phone usage by linking it to the potential death of a plant.
• Arduino Uno: A microcontroller used to control the project's electronics.
• Real-Time Clock (RTC): Used to track the current time for the plant's light cycle.
• Magnetic Hall Sensor: Detects the presence of a phone.
• Relay: Controls the on/off state of the grow light.
• OLED Display: Shows the duration the phone has been placed on the device.
• Grow Light Logic Modification: The process of altering the grow light's internal circuitry to allow external control via a relay.
• CNC Machining: Used to create the layered base for the plant enclosure.
• Adherence Mechanism: The challenge of finding a suitable glue or method to attach components within the glass cylinder.
• Continued Play: The importance of designing projects that allow for ongoing interaction and use, a key principle from KiwiCo.
• Plant Care: Consideration for the plant's needs, such as airflow and watering.
• Psychological Motivation: Leveraging the fear of causing harm to a living organism as a motivator for behavioral change.
• Yet Studio Puzzle: A mention of a new puzzle product from the creator's studio.

Project Overview and Motivation

The video details the creator's journey in developing a project to combat phone addiction, inspired by a previous "applause machine" build. The core motivation stems from the creator's personal struggle with excessive phone usage. Instead of a positive reinforcement for putting the phone down, the project employs a negative consequence: the plant's survival is directly tied to the phone being off the device. If the phone is used, it is placed on a sensor, which deactivates the grow light, leading to the plant's potential demise. This "higher stakes" approach aims to create a stronger psychological deterrent.

The "Applause Machine" and KiwiCo Collaboration

The video begins by referencing a past project, an "applause machine," which was a favorite of the creator. This led to a collaboration with KiwiCo, a company specializing in educational crates for children. Together, they developed a crate that reimagines the applause machine as a mini-golf game, emphasizing the KiwiCo principle of "continued play" – ensuring that the created object can be used and interacted with beyond the initial build. The crate includes obstacles and googly eyes for customization.

Technical Setup and Component Integration

The phone addiction mitigation project utilizes several electronic components controlled by an Arduino Uno microcontroller:

• Real-Time Clock (RTC): Essential for tracking time to manage the grow light's schedule.
• Magnetic Hall Sensor: This sensor detects the presence of a magnet, which is attached to the phone. When the phone is placed on the device, the magnet triggers the sensor.
• Relay: A switch that allows the low-voltage Arduino to control the higher-voltage grow light.
• OLED Display: Provides visual feedback, showing the duration the phone has been placed on the device.

The creator admits to initial apprehension due to past experiences with "shitty robots" but found the component-by-component assembly to be enjoyable.

Modifying the Grow Light

A challenge arose with the USB-powered grow light, which had "logic on board" preventing direct 5V activation. To overcome this, the creator decided to "hot rod" the light by disassembling it. By identifying and connecting specific wires (red to VCC and white to ground), they successfully bypassed the onboard logic, enabling the relay to control the light. This was described as "a lot easier than I expected."

Enclosure Design and Construction

The project requires a suitable enclosure for the plant, grow light, and electronics. The creator explored various glass cylinders, ultimately choosing a round-top one. A key design decision was whether to place the electronics on top or at the bottom. Opting for a bottom placement allowed for a custom-fit recess for the phone, preventing easy circumvention with another magnet.

The base of the enclosure was constructed using CNC machining to create three layered sections, which were then bolted together for potential disassembly and repair. This provided space for the electronics and a sliding mechanism for the phone.

Adherence Challenges and Material Selection

A significant hurdle was finding an effective adherence mechanism to secure the grow light fixture inside the glass dome. The creator experimented with "all-purpose cement," noting its suitability for various materials like rubber, wood, leather, glass, and metal. However, the initial application resulted in insufficient contact, leading to a decision to pause the project overnight to avoid making irreversible mistakes due to fatigue and the desire for immediate completion. This highlights the importance of careful planning and avoiding rushed decisions in complex builds.

Plant Selection and Ethical Considerations

The creator expressed significant anxiety about the project's ethical implications, particularly the potential harm to a plant. They visited a plant store, considering various options, including succulents (which they found "freaky" and disliked). Ultimately, they selected a plant that fit the aesthetic of a "scientific lab" setup within the glass dome. The project's design incorporates channels for airflow to prevent a "sealed little environment" for the plant.

Project Functionality and Psychological Impact

The final setup allows the grow light to operate for a maximum of 4 hours per day, with the counter resetting at midnight. On weekends, the light automatically turns on for 4 hours, as the creator is less likely to be in the workshop.

The creator draws a parallel between this project and a pact made with their mother and sister regarding smoking. The underlying psychology is that it's easier to protect loved ones (or in this case, a living organism) than oneself. The project aims to tap into this by making the user feel responsible for the plant's well-being. The act of using the phone is framed not just as taking away from one's own life but also from the plant's.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The creator expresses hope that the project fulfills their vision and that the plant survives. They acknowledge the need to research plant watering requirements. The video concludes with a mention of a new puzzle product, "Birthday Heist on the Hillside," from Yet Studio.

KiwiCo Crate Details

The KiwiCo crate, developed in collaboration with the creator, transforms the applause machine concept into a mini-golf game. It emphasizes "continued play" and provides hands-on projects for children of all ages, covering various interests, including plants. The creator offers a discount code (Simone) and a link (kiwico.com/simone) for 50% off the first monthly crate for ages 3+.