The project was first put together by Michael Teeuw in 2014 and has since garnered much popularity in the maker community, inspiring smart mirror projects created by the average laymen. The project is open source and community-driven, enabling all users to download, edit, and create using this framework. On the most basic level, the Magic Mirror program is run on the Raspberry Pi, typically connected to a monitor specifically designated for this project.

The user then programs the Magic Mirror interface to his or her liking, adding functions such as e-mail notifications, NFL scores, weather alerts, reminders, and additional text. Once the Magic Mirror is set up to your liking, it’s common to see people install a wooden frame and a two-way mirror around the monitor, effectively creating a do-it-yourself smart mirror.