Stepping into the Nodes

In 2020, when malls began reopening post-COVID, Yas Mall wanted to create a Winter Festival that would bring back joy and engagement for visitors. The theme revolved around music and celebration, with a massive Christmas tree built from musical instruments as the centerpiece.

The Scope

The requirement was to create a giant, playable piano under the Christmas tree, designed for families and kids to step on keys and produce melodies. The challenge was to achieve this within just five days, ensuring a design that could withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining complete safety. Beyond functionality, the experience had to feel magical—something that didn’t just work, but sparked joy and wonder during the festive season.

The Solution

I conceptualized, engineered, and delivered a 5-meter arc-shaped giant piano featuring:

• 24 pressure-sensitive keys that light up and produce authentic piano tones.
• An arc design to blend visually with the Christmas tree and event layout.
• Responsive lighting synchronized with musical notes for instant feedback and delight.

The installation became the star attraction of the festival, running flawlessly for 15 days, engaging hundreds of families and creating a memorable, music-powered Christmas experience.

Behind the Scenes

• Rapid Concept Development: With only 5 days, I sketched the concept, calculated the arc radius, and defined the key size to ensure ergonomics for both kids and adults. Chose lightweight yet durable materials for structure to allow quick fabrication and easy installation.
• Electronics & Interaction Design I used MPR121 capacitive touch controllers to detect foot taps accurately, mapping each key to a unique input channel.Integrated PCA9685 PWM drivers to control RGB LEDs under each key, ensuring a smooth light-up animation when a key was pressed.Programmed the VS1053 audio codec to produce MIDI-based piano notes, synchronized with the lights for a cohesive sensory experience.
• System Integration: Coded the entire system on a microcontroller platform, creating a real-time loop to handle touch detection, LED animation, and MIDI note playback without lag—even with multiple simultaneous inputs.
• Fabrication & Build: Collaborated with the fabrication team for frame construction. I ensured load-bearing safety, tested materials, and supervised cutting and assembly. Installed a non-slip surface to make it safe for kids while keeping the look premium.
• Testing & Installation: On-site, I debugged wiring, calibrated sensitivity, and aligned the lighting and audio timing. Ran stress tests for durability and ensured stable performance for continuous operation during the 15-day festival.

The installation became a major crowd magnet, drawing families and kids who engaged with the experience actively, turning it into a seasonal highlight. It showcased rapid innovation by delivering a fully functional, interactive, and visually stunning installation within just five days—without sacrificing durability or safety.