Interactive Light Solutions
Creative Strategy & Play-Based Sensory Design
I developed the creative strategy and sensory-inclusive positioning for a portfolio of interactive experiences that use play to support calm, presence, and connection—helping make everyday public spaces more welcoming, enjoyable, and memorable.
At NunoErin, I led concept development, guided our team’s design process, and oversaw implementation across interactive tables, benches, and wall panels. Combining physical touch with responsive light and color, the experiences gave people a way to shape their sensory experience and share moments of play with those around them.
The Challenge
Make everyday public spaces more welcoming, engaging and inclusive.
Restaurants, hospitals, and other busy public spaces can be noisy, stimulating, and stressful—creating barriers for families with young children and people with sensory processing differences. These environments can make it harder to slow down, stay regulated, and enjoy time together.
The opportunity was to introduce moments of calm, delight, and connection within these environments, helping more people feel comfortable and participate without needing to withdraw to a separate space.
The Strategy
Play as a Pathway to Calm and Connection
I framed product development around what play could make possible: supporting self-regulation, presence, and connection. Responsive interaction gave people agency to shape their sensory experience and connect with those around them—with the aim of turning potentially stressful moments into positive shared memories.
I translated that direction into positioning that helped businesses and institutions understand the value of more welcoming, inclusive environments: expanding participation to people whose sensory needs were often overlooked and creating memorable shared experiences that could build lasting brand connections.
“Our 7-year-old daughter has autism and sensory disorder. We took her out to eat to a McDonald’s that had one of your interactive light tables. It was amazing to see her sit through a meal because the table allowed her to stay focused.”
Real World Adoption
The interactive experiences were installed in more than 3,000 McDonald’s locations across the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as children’s hospitals including Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Children’s National.
In partnership with KultureCity, the experiences were also integrated into more than 50 sensory rooms across NBA and NFL stadiums.
RELATED PROJECT
Education Positioning & Communications Campaign
Translating sensory research and customer insights into positioning and a coordinated communications campaign connecting interactive light products and sensory-supportive environments with student regulation, classroom participation, and learning.
Developed for educators, school leaders, and distribution partners, the campaign integrated research-informed messaging across digital content, marketing, and sales channels.