Letong (Fiona) Xu is an Industrial and Product Designer working between China and Canada, known for her thoughtful approach that blends necessity, craftsmanship, and sensory experience. Her philosophy centers on the belief that design is not about immediate solutions or permanent outcomes, but a process of continual adjustment and subtle influence. This perspective is fully embodied in her latest work, the nomo Project.
The nomo Project is a unique lighting collection designed to remind us of presence by setting a gentle rhythm in our everyday lives. Instead of just providing illumination, nomo aims to create a tangible sense of time passing. The collection features two types of lamps: a table lamp and a floor lamp. Both pieces combine tactile materials with Arduino-based digital technology, resulting in objects that are as much about feeling as they are about function.
Designer: Letong (Fiona) Xu
At the heart of nomo is the use of rhythmic, gradually shifting light. This isn’t just a visual effect. The changing light creates a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere that helps users become more aware of the natural cycles of their bodies. By reinforcing a psychological boundary between work and rest, nomo encourages a healthier daily routine and a deeper connection to one’s environment.
Fiona’s design stands out for its focus on presence and reflection. The collection’s minimalist wooden bases and softly diffused lamp shades provide warmth and a tactile quality that invites touch. The physical form is simple and unpretentious, allowing the experience of the light itself to take center stage. The digital components are seamlessly integrated, making technology feel like a natural part of the object rather than an intrusion.
The inspiration behind nomo comes from the subtle tensions we all navigate between presence and absence, natural rhythms and the pressures of productivity. In today’s world, it’s easy to lose track of time and become disconnected from our surroundings. nomo addresses this by offering a gentle reminder of the present moment, using light as a medium that quietly marks the passage of time. By doing so, it supports not just productivity, but also rest and reflection.
This thoughtful balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology is what makes the nomo Project special. It’s a reminder that design can be both beautiful and purposeful, supporting well-being in ways that are understated yet profound. For anyone seeking to bring a sense of calm and rhythm into their home or workspace, nomo offers a unique and meaningful solution. Letong (Fiona) Xu’s nomo Project is both a lighting collection and an invitation to slow down, notice the present, and find balance in the everyday.
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