Your Name
Davide Gomba
Email
lutopia@proton.me
GitHub Repository Link
https://github.com/progetti-lutopici/lutofan
Project Description
First Generation and prototype of the Lutòpian Fan aka Ventaglio Lutòpico aka 电子扇子 (diànzǐ shànzi)
Project Overview
the Lutòpian Fan (aka Ventaglio Lutòpico, aka 电子扇子 diànzǐ shànzi) is a hardware design and documentation project exploring a new kind of connected, modular hand fan.
The project reimagines the traditional hand fan as a portable, multi-purpose smart object: lightweight, expandable, and designed for real-world outdoor, creative, and community use cases.
The prototype is built around the idea of combining a familiar physical object with modern embedded electronics, wireless mesh communication, local interaction, visual feedback, and future expansion possibilities devoted to find community goals.
The [project reporitory](https://github.com/progetti-lutopici/lutofan) is intended to document the concept, design direction, prototype evolution, and visual material of the project.
Concept
The fan is designed as a modular platform rather than a single-purpose device.
At a high level, the system includes:
- a compact embedded controller (Seeed XIAO nRF52840 Sense Plus)
- long-range mesh communication through Meshtastic-compatible hardware Wio-SX1262 (LoRa)
- local user interaction (joystick)
- a low-power visual interface and mic
- visual feedback through integrated lighting
- optional sensing and expansion features
- a physical structure designed around modularity and portability
The goal is to create a device that can act as both a functional object and a communication tool, while keeping the design open to future modules (also from third parties) and use cases
Meshtastic Compatibility
This project is designed to run Meshtastic firmware and to integrate with the Meshtastic ecosystem.
Meshtastic provides the open-source mesh communication layer used by the device. This repository focuses on the hardware concept, prototype documentation, visual design direction, and system integration around that firmware.
Design Direction
The design explores the intersection of:
- wearable and portable technology
- low-power communication
- mesh networking
- physical interaction
- modular hardware
- speculative everyday objects
- audio journaling tool
- outdoor and festival-oriented tools
- emergency and off-grid communication scenarios
The fan format was chosen because it is simple, recognizable, portable, and culturally familiar, while also offering an unusual physical platform for electronics, interaction, and communication.
Prototype Goals
The current prototype aims to demonstrate:
- a portable Meshtastic-compatible device
- a physical compass to point at friends
- a modular physical structure
- a compact and expressive user interface
- a lightpainting tool
- a visually recognizable product concept
- a platform that can be expanded through future modules, aslo called generations (to be explanded)
The project is currently in development and may evolve through different mechanical, electronic, and interface iterations.
Possible Use Cases
Potential use cases include:
- creating airflow \o/
- everyday carry mesh communication
- festival and outdoor communication
- off-grid community tools
- interactive wearable objects
- experimental communication devices
- artistic and educational prototypes
- modular hardware development
Tech Stack
- Firmware: Meshtastic
- Embedded platform: Seeed XIAO nRF52840 Sense Plus
- Wireless communication: LoRa / Meshtastic mesh networking
- Radio module: Seeed Wio-SX1262
- Hardware design: EasyEDA
- PCB prototyping: Seeed Fusion / JLCPCB-style PCB workflow
- User interface: physical controls, low-power display, status LEDs
- Display: OLED
- Lighting: addressable RGB LEDs
- Power system: LiPo battery, charging circuit, optional voltage regulation
- Mechanical design: modular fan structure, enclosure/rib design
- Documentation: GitHub, Markdown, images, demo video
Message to the Organizers
I've added the logo to the board, but still haven't planned to go fully public with the project until I'll have a prototype.
Your Name
Davide Gomba
Email
lutopia@proton.me
GitHub Repository Link
https://github.com/progetti-lutopici/lutofan
Project Description
First Generation and prototype of the Lutòpian Fan aka Ventaglio Lutòpico aka 电子扇子 (diànzǐ shànzi)
Project Overview
the Lutòpian Fan (aka Ventaglio Lutòpico, aka 电子扇子 diànzǐ shànzi) is a hardware design and documentation project exploring a new kind of connected, modular hand fan.
The project reimagines the traditional hand fan as a portable, multi-purpose smart object: lightweight, expandable, and designed for real-world outdoor, creative, and community use cases.
The prototype is built around the idea of combining a familiar physical object with modern embedded electronics, wireless mesh communication, local interaction, visual feedback, and future expansion possibilities devoted to find community goals.
The [project reporitory](https://github.com/progetti-lutopici/lutofan) is intended to document the concept, design direction, prototype evolution, and visual material of the project.
Concept
The fan is designed as a modular platform rather than a single-purpose device.
At a high level, the system includes:
The goal is to create a device that can act as both a functional object and a communication tool, while keeping the design open to future modules (also from third parties) and use cases
Meshtastic Compatibility
This project is designed to run Meshtastic firmware and to integrate with the Meshtastic ecosystem.
Meshtastic provides the open-source mesh communication layer used by the device. This repository focuses on the hardware concept, prototype documentation, visual design direction, and system integration around that firmware.
Design Direction
The design explores the intersection of:
The fan format was chosen because it is simple, recognizable, portable, and culturally familiar, while also offering an unusual physical platform for electronics, interaction, and communication.
Prototype Goals
The current prototype aims to demonstrate:
The project is currently in development and may evolve through different mechanical, electronic, and interface iterations.
Possible Use Cases
Potential use cases include:
Tech Stack
Message to the Organizers
I've added the logo to the board, but still haven't planned to go fully public with the project until I'll have a prototype.