chris han - Lighting Engines

Lighting Engines

Collaborators: Individual

Constraints: White paper and adhesives only

Duration: 2 weeks

Skills: Research, Rapid Prototyping

A lighting engine designed for reading in bed made out of paper and adhesives.

Analyzing the Prompt

A lighting engine designed for reading in bed needs to be practical enough for the user to have a clear light source but also dim enough so the user can be relaxed before bed.

What makes a reading in bed light different from other lights?

How can I achieve to create a relaxing experience for my user?

Is the light going to be hanging? sitting on a side table? on the wall?

What types of lighting engines are already available in the market right now?

Exploration (Paper Stock)

Different paper had a different reaction on top of light. I explored the range of different textures on/off the light, transparency, color, as well as the flexibility of the material. From these paper stock explorations, bristol was one of my top choices for my lighting engine because it holds form while also being easily malleable.I was also drawn to paper that presented a warm-toned light when the bulb is on.

COPY PAPER

NEWSPRINT

TRACING PAPER

DRAWING PAPER

RICE PAPER

BRISTOL PAPER

WHITE CONSTRUCTION PAPER

TAN STONEHENGE PAPER

WHITE STONEHENGE PAPER

Exploration (Sketch Models)

Through making quick sketch models, I was able to test the transparency of light through different layers of papers. I also experimented with different techniques that can be used.

Iteration 1

Paper: Bristol and tracing paper

From my sketch models, I further developed the model where I cut out patterns to reveal the bulb inside. The naked bulb did not reflect a comforting experience to the user's eyes so I decided to cover the bulb with a sheet of paper to diffuse the harshness of the light. I also found it fitting to build a hanging reading light so the light can be revealed at the bottom giving the user a clear light source for reading.

SLIPPING EXTRA PAPER BEHIND

FINAL FIRST ITERATION

(Planning for Iteration 2)

One thing I can work on for the next iteration is stabilizing the form of the engine. Use foam board on top to maintain the integrity.

-Try different paper with warmer undertones.

-Find a way to cover the bulb on the bottom of engine.

Iteration 2

Paper: white stonehenge and tracing paper

I chose to work with white stonehenge because it produced a warmer light. The warm lighting hopes to create a warm and comforting experience for the user.

I covered the bottom of the lighting engine with with tracing paper to cover up the naked bulb. The thinness of the tracing paper still allows light to shine through to keep the engine practical for reading.

(Covering the Socket)

I came up with three different ideas designs on how to cover the socket of the lightbulb. I also brainstormed how I can incorporate different attachment methods to attain clean craft.

SKETCHBOOK PAGE

1

2

3

(Planning for Iteration 3)

Improvements that can be made:

-The edges of the box allowed cracks of raw light to get through because I did not think about the attachment method. I will include tabs next iteration.

-Use one consistent type of paper.

-Cover the socket completely.

-Continue the decorative tear throughout. Extend tears to all four sides.

Iteration 3

For this iteration, I focused on fixing the raw edges of light that was peeking through by trying out different attachment methods. At the end, I went with attachment method 1 because it did not require two layers of paper on one side to build.

(Attachment Method 1)

(Attachment Method 2)

Final Iteration

Paper: white stonehenge and tracing paper

I chose the white stonehenge because it illuminated a warm light but was also not warm enough to make the user fall asleep while reading. It was the perfect balance between functionality and maintaining the comforting atmosphere.

(The Making Process)