CleanLeaf Table: A Smart Surface Prototype for Public Hygiene

As a research assistant at the University of Lapland, I contributed to the development of the CleanLeaf table, a smart surface designed to enhance hygiene in public spaces such as cafés, trains, and libraries. This project addressed the challenge of preventing the spread of viruses, like COVID-19, through contaminated surfaces.

The table integrates an interactive LED system beneath a thin wood veneer, controlled by an Arduino microcontroller. The LEDs indicate the surface's status: red for requiring cleaning after use and green for a sanitized, ready-to-use surface. Staff or users can reset the status to green after cleaning with disinfectant.

The design prioritizes calm computing, integrating the display seamlessly into the table’s aesthetic without intrusive light-emitting signage. This approach helps direct arriving users to clean tables while highlighting to staff which surfaces need attention.

The CleanLeaf table demonstrates innovative interaction design and functional prototyping, as outlined in the academic paper: "CleanLeaf Table: Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 through Smart Surfaces".