[ Inspiration ]
Inspired by the Bauhaus style, I aimed to create a simple design that complements the style of my bedroom.
I found a reference picture that encapsulates my vision:
a combination of simple geometry, including triangles and rectangles, centered around a straightforward light bulb.
[ Design Concept ]
I further developed my design concept around three main elements that I wish to incorporate.
Flexibility
I aim to create a modular design, allowing the light to be reconfigured into shapes like triangles or rectangles to suit varying scenarios, reflecting the user's mood or preference at any given moment.
Portability
I plan to design the light's components to be detachable, making it easy to transport. This feature is ideal for travel, such as camping, providing convenience and versatility.
Geometric
The design will emphasize geometric simplicity, appealing to any style or tone within a space, aligning with my preference for straightforward, adaptable designs.
[ Process ]
01 Paper Prototype
For my initial step, I used thicker paper to prototype my envisioned design concepts. I cut out several rectangles of varying sizes, incorporating joints on the edges of each piece to explore their connectivity. This experiment aimed to determine the optimal ratio between the width and length of the pieces for efficient assembly.
I also started considering the materials for my light. In my vision, I aim to use a blend of differently transparent colored acrylics to create varied refraction effects. This approach is intended to facilitate the interaction of diverse colored lights with the light bulb.
02 Cardboard Prototype
Moving forward, I utilized a thicker board for the second prototype version. By this stage, I had settled on acrylic as my material of choice, acknowledging its sturdier nature which limits flexibility for bending at specific angles.
tAdditionally, I determined the actual size of my light, ensuring the hole designed to accommodate the light bulb socket had the precise diameter and placement.
I also created a movable light bulb feature to demonstrate the flexibility in adjusting the light's source and direction. This allows for dynamic interaction with the acrylic pieces, showcasing how the light can be manipulated to achieve desired effects and ambiance.
03 Acrylic Prototype I
Following the experimentation phase, I progressed to actual production, creating an Illustrator file for my design pieces to initiate laser cutting. My goal is to experimenting with various slot widths to optimize the connection between each piece to find the best fit and stability in the assembly process.
This first attempt revealed two primary issues with my prototype. Firstly, the joints were cut too deeply, resulting in an inability for the pieces to fit together properly and creating an unintended shape. Secondly, insufficient space was left for the joints, leading to the acrylic easily breaking upon the first attempt at laser cutting.
Motivated by these challenges, I decided to iterate on my design:
Allocate more space for the joints, allowing adequate room for the pieces to connect effectively.
Reduce the length of the slots, aiming for a more resilient and cohesive assembly in the next version of the prototype.
04 Acrylic Prototype II
In the second attempt, the results were positive; the various pieces could be assembled into any shape, be it irregular rectangles or squares. Initially, my goal was for the triangle to form a complete shape, but the rigidity of the acrylic board made it challenging to join three pieces together. However, this limitation unexpectedly contributed to a unique and aesthetically pleasing vibe. When attempting to assemble four pieces into a rectangle, for example, I noticed that fitting the last piece was sometimes difficult, indicating an area for improvement in future iterations.
Additionally, I experimented with different shapes to create varied lighting effects. Feedback suggested that integrating these shapes into the joint system could enhance the design's versatility. This insight offers another potential direction for development as I consider advancing the project.
