NABI
Korean pop lightsticks serve as powerful symbols of identity and belonging, yet each new version often replicates the same underlying hardware. As fans support multiple groups or follow evolving eras, devices accumulate despite sharing similar core functionality. Nabi reimagines this system by separating identity from infrastructure, allowing fandom expression to evolve without replacing the entire product.
SCOPE
Industrial Design
System Design
TIMELINE
Spring 2025
Ten Weeks
TEAM
Henry Chin (Mentor)
NABI
Korean pop lightsticks serve as powerful symbols of identity and belonging, yet each new version often replicates the same underlying hardware. As fans support multiple groups or follow evolving eras, devices accumulate despite sharing similar core functionality. Nabi reimagines this system by separating identity from infrastructure, allowing fandom expression to evolve without replacing the entire product.
SCOPE
Industrial Design
System Design
TIMELINE
Spring 2025
Ten Weeks
TEAM
Henry Chin (Mentor)
NABI
Korean pop lightsticks serve as powerful symbols of identity and belonging, yet each new version often replicates the same underlying hardware. As fans support multiple groups or follow evolving eras, devices accumulate despite sharing similar core functionality. Nabi reimagines this system by separating identity from infrastructure, allowing fandom expression to evolve without replacing the entire product.
SCOPE
Industrial Design
System Design
TIMELINE
Spring 2025
Ten Weeks
TEAM
Henry Chin (Mentor)
LIGHTSTICKS ARE SYMBOLS OF FANDOM
Lightsticks are handheld devices used at Korean pop concerts and events. They illuminate in unison, creating a shared visual identity. Each design represents a specific artist or group, serving as a physical symbol of belonging within a fandom.
DESIGNED TO BE REPLACED
New lightstick versions are released for album comebacks, anniversaries, and tours. While older models remain functional, they often lose cultural relevance, encouraging repeat purchases.
A GLOBAL AUDIENCE, A GROWING FOOTPRINT
K-pop fandom is becoming increasingly global. International shipping, multi-group collections, and frequent releases contribute to material and electronic waste.
SUSTAINABILITY ALONE ISN'T ENOUGH
Lightsticks are deeply tied to identity and loyalty. Generic or purely sustainable alternatives often fail because they remove the emotional connection that makes fandom meaningful.
LIGHTSTICKS ARE SYMBOLS OF FANDOM
Lightsticks are handheld devices used at Korean pop concerts and events. They illuminate in unison, creating a shared visual identity. Each design represents a specific artist or group, serving as a physical symbol of belonging within a fandom.
DESIGNED TO BE REPLACED
New lightstick versions are released for album comebacks, anniversaries, and tours. While older models remain functional, they often lose cultural relevance, encouraging repeat purchases.
A GLOBAL AUDIENCE, A GROWING FOOTPRINT
K-pop fandom is becoming increasingly global. International shipping, multi-group collections, and frequent releases contribute to material and electronic waste.
SUSTAINABILITY ALONE ISN'T ENOUGH
Lightsticks are deeply tied to identity and loyalty. Generic or purely sustainable alternatives often fail because they remove the emotional connection that makes fandom meaningful.
LIGHTSTICKS ARE SYMBOLS OF FANDOM
Lightsticks are handheld devices used at Korean pop concerts and events. They illuminate in unison, creating a shared visual identity. Each design represents a specific artist or group, serving as a physical symbol of belonging within a fandom.
DESIGNED TO BE REPLACED
New lightstick versions are released for album comebacks, anniversaries, and tours. While older models remain functional, they often lose cultural relevance, encouraging repeat purchases.
A GLOBAL AUDIENCE, A GROWING FOOTPRINT
K-pop fandom is becoming increasingly global. International shipping, multi-group collections, and frequent releases contribute to material and electronic waste.
SUSTAINABILITY ALONE ISN'T ENOUGH
Lightsticks are deeply tied to identity and loyalty. Generic or purely sustainable alternatives often fail because they remove the emotional connection that makes fandom meaningful.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Rethink the lightstick system by separating emotional identity from core electronics—extending product lifespan while allowing visual expression to evolve.
CRITERIA
Preserve the visual language and symbolic meaning that make lightsticks powerful markers of belonging.
Discourage full-device turnover and support a longer product lifecycle.
Remain valuable beyond a single event, encouraging continued interaction over time.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Rethink the lightstick system by separating emotional identity from core electronics—extending product lifespan while allowing visual expression to evolve.
CRITERIA
Preserve the visual language and symbolic meaning that make lightsticks powerful markers of belonging.
Discourage full-device turnover and support a longer product lifecycle.
Remain valuable beyond a single event, encouraging continued interaction over time.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Rethink the lightstick system by separating emotional identity from core electronics—extending product lifespan while allowing visual expression to evolve.
CRITERIA
Preserve the visual language and symbolic meaning that make lightsticks powerful markers of belonging.
Discourage full-device turnover and support a longer product lifecycle.
Remain valuable beyond a single event, encouraging continued interaction over time.
INITIAL CONCEPTS
1. Universal Modular Lightstick
A reusable handle platform with interchangeable group modules.
2. Memory Display Vase
Transforms the lightstick into a home display object.
3. Repair / Repurpose Kit
Extends product lifespan through replaceable components.
CONVERGENCE & EXPLORATION
The final direction merged a modular platform with the memory display concept, balancing personalization with long-term use. Parallel explorations tested alternative forms and emerging technologies to extend the system further.
LIGHTSTICK + SPEAKER EXPLORATION
INITIAL CONCEPTS
1. Universal Modular Lightstick
A reusable handle platform with interchangeable group modules.
2. Memory Display Vase
Transforms the lightstick into a home display object.
3. Repair / Repurpose Kit
Extends product lifespan through replaceable components.
CONVERGENCE & EXPLORATION
The final direction merged a modular platform with the memory display concept, balancing personalization with long-term use. Parallel explorations tested alternative forms and emerging technologies to extend the system further.
LIGHTSTICK + SPEAKER EXPLORATION
INITIAL CONCEPTS
1. Universal Modular Lightstick
A reusable handle platform with interchangeable group modules.
2. Memory Display Vase
Transforms the lightstick into a home display object.
3. Repair / Repurpose Kit
Extends product lifespan through replaceable components.
CONVERGENCE & EXPLORATION
The final direction merged a modular platform with the memory display concept, balancing personalization with long-term use. Parallel explorations tested alternative forms and emerging technologies to extend the system further.
LIGHTSTICK + SPEAKER EXPLORATION
PROTOTYPING
BUILT FOR CUSTOMIZATION
Built on modularity, Nabi uses threads, button caps, slide-on sleeves, and snap-on components to create a platform for evolving group identities.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
Nabi uses a rechargeable battery to reduce reliance on disposable batteries and extend product lifespan.
AUTOMATIC VENUE SYNCHRONIZATION
Connects to venue lighting systems through an integrated RF receiver. With a single button press, the lightstick joins the concert control network—no app required.
RELIVE MEMORIES
Pairs with a speaker display, allowing users to place the lightstick’s globe into the base and connect via Bluetooth to play music from their favorite artists.
SENIOR SHOW EXHIBITION
BUILT FOR CUSTOMIZATION
Built on modularity, Nabi uses threads, button caps, slide-on sleeves, and snap-on components to create a platform for evolving group identities.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
Nabi uses a rechargeable battery to reduce reliance on disposable batteries and extend product lifespan.
AUTOMATIC VENUE SYNCHRONIZATION
Connects to venue lighting systems through an integrated RF receiver. With a single button press, the lightstick joins the concert control network—no app required.
RELIVE MEMORIES
Pairs with a speaker display, allowing users to place the lightstick’s globe into the base and connect via Bluetooth to play music from their favorite artists.
SENIOR SHOW EXHIBITION
©2026 MRMD
©2026 MRMD
©2026 MRMD