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)
CONTEXT
More Than a Concert Accessory
Lightsticks are physical symbols of belonging within K-pop fandoms. Used during concerts and events, they synchronize thousands of fans into a shared visual experience while representing a group's or artist's unique identity.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Identity Shouldn't Require a New Device
New lightstick versions are frequently released for anniversaries, tours, and brand updates. While older models often remain functional, fans are encouraged to replace them to stay connected with a group's evolving identity.
MARKET TRENDS
A Global Audience, a Growing Footprint
As K-pop fandom continues to grow globally, international shipping, multi-group collections, and frequent product releases contribute to increasing material and electronic waste.
KEY INSIGHT
Sustainability Alone Isn't Enough
Existing sustainable alternatives often overlook the emotional connection fans have with their lightsticks. A successful solution must preserve identity and meaning while reducing unnecessary waste.
CONTEXT
More Than a Concert Accessory
Lightsticks are physical symbols of belonging within K-pop fandoms. Used during concerts and events, they synchronize thousands of fans into a shared visual experience while representing a group's or artist's unique identity.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Identity Shouldn't Require a New Device
New lightstick versions are frequently released for anniversaries, tours, and brand updates. While older models often remain functional, fans are encouraged to replace them to stay connected with a group's evolving identity.
MARKET TRENDS
A Global Audience, a Growing Footprint
As K-pop fandom continues to grow globally, international shipping, multi-group collections, and frequent product releases contribute to increasing material and electronic waste.
KEY INSIGHT
Sustainability Alone Isn't Enough
Existing sustainable alternatives often overlook the emotional connection fans have with their lightsticks. A successful solution must preserve identity and meaning while reducing unnecessary waste.
CONTEXT
More Than a Concert Accessory
Lightsticks are physical symbols of belonging within K-pop fandoms. Used during concerts and events, they synchronize thousands of fans into a shared visual experience while representing a group's or artist's unique identity.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Identity Shouldn't Require a New Device
New lightstick versions are frequently released for anniversaries, tours, and brand updates. While older models often remain functional, fans are encouraged to replace them to stay connected with a group's evolving identity.
MARKET TRENDS
A Global Audience, a Growing Footprint
As K-pop fandom continues to grow globally, international shipping, multi-group collections, and frequent product releases contribute to increasing material and electronic waste.
KEY INSIGHT
Sustainability Alone Isn't Enough
Existing sustainable alternatives often overlook the emotional connection fans have with their lightsticks. A successful solution must preserve identity and meaning while reducing unnecessary waste.
THE GOAL
Rethink the lightstick system by separating emotional identity from core electronics—extending product lifespan while allowing visual expression to evolve.
01
Preserve Identity
Preserve the visual language and symbolic meaning that make lightsticks powerful markers of belonging.
02
Reduce Replacement
Discourage full-device turnover and support a longer product lifecycle.
03
Encourage Lasting Ownership
Remain valuable beyond a single event, encouraging continued interaction over time.
THE GOAL
Rethink the lightstick system by separating emotional identity from core electronics—extending product lifespan while allowing visual expression to evolve.
01
Preserve Identity
Preserve the visual language and symbolic meaning that make lightsticks powerful markers of belonging.
02
Reduce Replacement
Discourage full-device turnover and support a longer product lifecycle.
03
Encourage Lasting Ownership
Remain valuable beyond a single event, encouraging continued interaction over time.
THE GOAL
Rethink the lightstick system by separating emotional identity from core electronics—extending product lifespan while allowing visual expression to evolve.
01
Preserve Identity
Preserve the visual language and symbolic meaning that make lightsticks powerful markers of belonging.
02
Reduce Replacement
Discourage full-device turnover and support a longer product lifecycle.
03
Encourage Lasting Ownership
Remain valuable beyond a single event, encouraging continued interaction over time.
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
Exploring a Modular System
Multiple directions explored how a lightstick could extend beyond a single concert while preserving its symbolic value. Concepts ranged from interchangeable identities to home displays and repair systems before converging on a modular platform that balanced personalization, longevity, and emotional connection.
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.
DESIGN DIRECTION
The modular lightstick and memory display emerged as the strongest directions. Combining their strengths led to a modular platform that balanced personalization, long-term ownership, and emotional connection.
Iteration refined the modular lightstick into a flexible platform while exploring complementary experiences and future system extensions.
Sketches explored proportions, speaker integration, and modular form language before arriving at the final architecture.
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
Exploring a Modular System
Multiple directions explored how a lightstick could extend beyond a single concert while preserving its symbolic value. Concepts ranged from interchangeable identities to home displays and repair systems before converging on a modular platform that balanced personalization, longevity, and emotional connection.
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.
DESIGN DIRECTION
The modular lightstick and memory display emerged as the strongest directions. Combining their strengths led to a modular platform that balanced personalization, long-term ownership, and emotional connection.
Iteration refined the modular lightstick into a flexible platform while exploring complementary experiences and future system extensions.
Sketches explored proportions, speaker integration, and modular form language before arriving at the final architecture.
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
Exploring a Modular System
Multiple directions explored how a lightstick could extend beyond a single concert while preserving its symbolic value. Concepts ranged from interchangeable identities to home displays and repair systems before converging on a modular platform that balanced personalization, longevity, and emotional connection.
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.
DESIGN DIRECTION
The modular lightstick and memory display emerged as the strongest directions. Combining their strengths led to a modular platform that balanced personalization, long-term ownership, and emotional connection.
Iteration refined the modular lightstick into a flexible platform while exploring complementary experiences and future system extensions.
Sketches explored proportions, speaker integration, and modular form language before arriving at the final architecture.
PROTOTYPING
Refining Ergonomics Through Physical Testing
Prototypes evaluated grip comfort, handle proportions, modular connections, and attachment methods. Testing informed ergonomic refinements while validating how interchangeable components could support long-term ownership.
Prototype iterations exploring handle proportions, modular connections, and interchangeable tops.
Physical testing validated grip comfort, interaction, and attachment mechanisms.
SOLUTION
A Lightstick Designed to Evolve
Nabi is a modular lightstick system that separates identity from electronics, allowing fans to update interchangeable components instead of replacing an entire device. By preserving the emotional connection between fans and their favorite artists, the system extends product lifespan while reducing unnecessary waste.
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
REFLECTION
Designing for Emotional Sustainability
This project challenged me to think beyond reducing waste and instead consider why people choose to keep products in the first place. I learned that sustainable design is most successful when it preserves the emotional connections people have with the objects they value, making longevity feel desirable rather than restrictive.
SOLUTION
A Lightstick Designed to Evolve
Nabi is a modular lightstick system that separates identity from electronics, allowing fans to update interchangeable components instead of replacing an entire device. By preserving the emotional connection between fans and their favorite artists, the system extends product lifespan while reducing unnecessary waste.
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
REFLECTION
Designing for Emotional Sustainability
This project challenged me to think beyond reducing waste and instead consider why people choose to keep products in the first place. I learned that sustainable design is most successful when it preserves the emotional connections people have with the objects they value, making longevity feel desirable rather than restrictive.
©2026 MRMD
©2026 MRMD
©2026 MRMD