2025ClimateResearch

ClimaColour Code

Colour as Environmental Intelligence

A physical computing prototype that translates live temperature and humidity into colour, brightness, and rhythm.

ArduinoDHT20NeoPixelC++
Climate
ClimaColour Code
Overview

ClimaColour Code explores how invisible environmental conditions can be translated into colour, brightness, and rhythm, making climate data easier to perceive and understand.

The Problem

Temperature and humidity are usually experienced physically but remain visually invisible.

Because environmental discomfort is difficult to see, people may be less aware of changing indoor conditions and less responsive to their energy use, comfort, and surrounding environment.

The Solution

ClimaColour Code uses a temperature and humidity sensor to translate live environmental data into a pulsing coloured light.

Colour communicates temperature, while brightness and pulse behaviour communicate humidity and environmental intensity. The result gives spaces a visible mood and heartbeat, creating a more intuitive and emotional connection between people and their environment.

Decision Framework
01
Goal
Make invisible environmental conditions immediately understandable.
Environmental IntelligenceClimate Awareness
02
Decision
Translate temperature and humidity into intuitive visual behaviours.
Temperature to ColourHumidity to BrightnessEnvironmental Pulse
03
Prediction
Communicate how a space feels before discomfort becomes difficult to ignore.
Comfort SignalsMood InterpretationEnvironmental Awareness
04
Model
Rule-based environmental translation using a behaviour matrix.
Cold and DryCold and HumidHot and DryHot and HumidIdeal Conditions
05
Data
Real-time temperature and humidity readings processed through an Arduino-based physical computing system.
ArduinoDHT20 SensorNeoPixel LED StripC++Physical Computing
Process + Development

Exploring the translation between environmental data, behaviour logic, and physical prototype.

Next Steps
  1. 01Connect soil-moisture sensors to create plant-linked environmental sensitivity.
  2. 02Add touch sensors so the installation can respond to both people and environmental conditions.
  3. 03Integrate CO₂ and air-quality monitoring to make invisible indoor-air conditions visible.
  4. 04Develop the prototype into a larger adaptive lighting installation for shared interior spaces.