Den Lamp
How do biomaterials respond to light?
FALL 2023
︎ Materials: Cork, Tinplate Steel, Biomaterials
︎ Skills: Rapid Prototyping, Biomaterials, Vacuum Forming, Lamp Assembly, CAD, Product Photography
︎ Software: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, SOLIDWORKS
︎ Credits:
• Hanbyul Lee (Model) https://onestarlee.com/
• Sanghyuk Seo (Model)
https://www.sanghyukseo.com/
How can I design a user-interactive night light featuring bold geometric shapes and the use of biomaterials as a vibrant color cover?
Den Lamp is an experimental project where I explore the interaction between biomaterials and light, discovering how these materials can emit different colors.
The collection features six biomaterial covers that all radiate a variety of colors with just a simple touch.
Through this, I aim to demonstrate how biomaterials could not only be a sustainable alternative for creating lamps but also showcase the aesthetic potential between biomaterials and light.
Den Lamp is an experimental project where I explore the interaction between biomaterials and light, discovering how these materials can emit different colors.
The collection features six biomaterial covers that all radiate a variety of colors with just a simple touch.
Through this, I aim to demonstrate how biomaterials could not only be a sustainable alternative for creating lamps but also showcase the aesthetic potential between biomaterials and light.
Touch
Touch was a key component in this night light's development, ensuring easy light adjustment for user comfort at night.
Touch points strategically positioned on the top, sides, and bottom offer users versatile interaction options, catering to different scenarios of sitting or standing.
Biomaterials
From avocado pits to dish soap water, I was intrigued with how each biomaterial reacted to light. Each biomaterial cover emitted a spectrum of colors, ranging from vibrant red and green to a warm yellow.
From the top left to the bottom right, here are the listed biomaterial ingredients in order:
1. Spirulina Powder Bioplastic
2. Spirulina Powder Paper Pulp
3. Avocado Pit Bioplastic
4. Muslin w/ Gelatine
5. Egg shell Bioplastic
6. Dish Soap Bioplastic
Process
Purpose Statement + Moodboard
I started off with a purpose statement: “Design a user-interactive night light featuring bold geometric shapes and the use of biomaterials as a vibrant color cover”.
Inspired by the simplicity and sturdiness of brutalist architecture, I aimed for easy recognition through the lamp's rounded, uncomplicated form. Images of this style guided my concept sketches.d
Concept Sketch + Sketch Models
I conceptualized three distinct ideas, each centering around a unique user interaction with the lamp:
1. Magnetic Lamp Cover (Push)
2. Adjustable Point Light (Pull)
3. Rotate Light (Twist)
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Medium Fidelity Models
Expanding on the initial concept, I considered user preferences for orientation. Based on feedback, wall placement emerged as a popular choice, offering flexibility beyond the bedroom. This option caters to users without bedside tables, providing a convenient alternative for a wide range of people.
Standing
Horizontal
Wall
High Fidelity Models - Form
Exploring the wall concept, I focused on achieving pleasing ambient illumination.
For user guidance, I designed an intuitively attachable and detachable cover with indented handles. Cork, selected for its sustainability and gentle feel, complements the biomaterial cover, presenting a sturdy alternative to wood.
High Fidelity Models - Lamp Assembly
I used a touch sensor that features three light levels (dim to bright), and connected the corresponding wires to an incandescent lamp.
High Fidelity Models - Biomaterial Process
I created the molds from scrap wood for vacuum forming. The negative part became the foundation for creating biomaterial covers. This process was enjoyable because the results were very unexpected, which was different from my conventional product design approach. By having this unpredictability, the biomaterials took control over its own creation, resulting in unique textures and colors.
