light weight
goal
I wanted to design a lighting fixture that was focused on interaction with the user.
I was inspired by Jombus Designs on Instagram, who finds increasingly creative ways for someone to turn on a lamp.
During brainstorming, I found that my most interestng ideas were lights that were vegetable inspired, and weight activated.
interaction design
After researching how I would make the electrical switch that would turn on the lamp, I realized that the easiest way to create a light that would turn on with pressure and stay on, would be by making my own switch. So, I created a switch with LEDs, a battery, and a piece of foil, that would turn on when a weight was hung onto the end of the light, and turn off when removed.
This interaction encourages the user to consider their use of light. It requires them to essentially give something away to illuminate the room, whether that be the weight or even house keys. It speaks to themes of sustainability and mindfullness, as the user has to interact with the light in a much more physical way than your traditional light switch, and consider how valuable light really is.
final prototype
I decided to 3D print my lamp because it gave me the most freedom for the shape, and the most smooth finish, I wanted the lamp to be a little inspired by the shape of a radish, but while 3D modeling I found that I liked this flower bud shape better. I made the weight water droplet shaped so it would look like it was dropping out of the flower. I printed both shapes in two separate parts and assembled over the homemade lighting circuit.