About This Project
Tiny Magic Palette started as a playful experiment in blending physical objects with lightweight digital experiences. I handcrafted NFC-enabled polymer clay paint palettes that launch an AI-assisted color analysis tool when scanned with a phone. Artists can upload a reference image and receive practical paint color suggestions to help recreate the image traditionally.
More than anything, I was interested in the feeling of the interaction itself: a tiny handmade object containing a hidden digital experience inside it. The project was heavily inspired by Nintendo's idea of "lateral thinking with withered technology", using simple existing technology in unexpected and whimsical ways rather than relying on flashy hardware or overly futuristic experiences.
The goal was never to replace the tactile process of painting, but to create a small moment of delight that supports and encourages it.
How It Works
A handmade polymer clay paint palette contains an NFC-triggered web experience
Artists scan the palette with their phone
They upload a reference image they want to recreate traditionally
The tool suggests practical paint color breakdowns based on the image
Explored
Physical + digital interaction design
NFC-triggered experiences
AI-assisted creative tooling
Playful UX for artists
"Withered technology" product design philosophy
Tactile-first technology experiences
Status
Live in the TinyGallery shop
Multiple palettes sold
Continuing to experiment with physical-digital creative tools and artist-centered interactions
What I Learned
This project taught me a lot about how much emotional weight physical objects can add to digital experiences. Even though the underlying technology is simple, embedding it into something handmade completely changes how the interaction feels.
A big focus of the project was finding the sweet spot between structure and openness. I did not want the experience to feel overly automated, cheesy, or like the AI was doing the art for you. At the same time, I did not want it to feel too vague or cumbersome either. The most interesting part ended up being designing just enough constraint and requiring just enough user participation that the experience still felt tactile, intentional, and a little magical.
It also reinforced my belief that technology becomes much more interesting when it supports creativity and curiosity rather than trying to replace the human part of making things.