Christopher Hobbs-Massou
Prototypes: LAMP
16/5/2020
Assignment 2 in Des 100 was all about producing two prototypes to describe a lamp that we designed to suit the needs of a client. In my case the client was my family friend, Shane. Through interviews where I talked with him about the project and what he might like out of it, I constructed the following brief;
"Shane has communicated to me that what he would like is a way to light his central living space, for relaxing and working.
He wants a light source that is “visually interesting” and dynamic."
The prototyping process for this project involved several steps, sketching, simple CAD work, and then, slightly more involved CAD and rendering. Alongside this, a functioning circuit prototype plans out the parallel circuit the lamp would need to be theoretically wired with.
The complete prototype has 'plywood' construction that emulates a spine, with five articulating, bending LED tipped 'nerves' made using gooseneck tube. Each one is independent and can be oriented in any direction.
Ultimately, I am pleased with these prototypes. The aesthetic is unique, and, although unexpected, the visual prototype especially is on brand with what Shane and I were looking to create. It has also shown me the next steps from here; To refine the materials selection, specifically the gooseneck tubing, as this will influence how the design of the lamp actually needs to accommodate it.
