DES 100: Lamp Design
Lamp Design-Laser Cut
By: Bolang OUYANG
1.Start of the Design
When I first started designing, I paid more attention to my ideas. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t done research. The keywords I searched on the Internet include layers, abstract lamps, and abstract art. Through the search of these keywords, I have preliminarily finalized my ideas. Like the sketch above, my two main directions at the beginning were combining characters and lights and the combination of lights and layers. In any case, I think these sketches will still be helpful in my subsequent development. I learned new things and started a new challenge.
When I struggled with my two directions, I shared my ideas with my classmates, and they advised me to choose the combination of layers and lights instead of the combination of characters and lights. This seems more in keeping with the theme of abstraction. So, I started looking for inspiration like the one below and finally settled on my draft.
Decide my direction
So I decided to focus on this stetch for my further development. In this sketch the light source come out though those layers. Just like a cave, but the different is the impression given by caves is usually that of darkness and depth. A special person may be excited about this kind of place, but I believe most people avoid this kind of place. And what I want to create is exactly the opposite direction. Lighting from the inside out will better reflect this cave-like level and give people a warm feeling. Of course, this is also one of my preferences. I like to deal with these natural hard objects.
2. Start Prototype
In the first model, I didn't think too much about the shape of each layer, but focused on the stacking of layers and having a structural understanding of my work before making the finished product. I designed each layer so that the width decreases by 1cm each time and the height decreases by 0.5cm each time. The first picture shows this, I started with a width of 10cm and a height of 5cm. The third and fourth pictures are the preliminary finished product, although I am very satisfied with the effect brought by the stacking of layers. But at the same time, I found that the gaps between each layer were too large, which may have an impact when adding light sources later, and the light would scatter.
Possible improvement after the first Prototype
1. Material: obviously, paper could be a better material to complete this design. The cardboard provided by the teacher has better hardness and size.
2. Size: because this is a hand-made prototype, the size and spacing of each layer are not very uniform. Laser cutting software will be used in future prototypes so the size of each layer can be seen, and the cutting of objects will be more accurate and beautiful.
3. Spacing. In this prototype, the spacing between layers will affect the direction of light, so I think it is necessary to add more layers and reduce the spacing. On the one hand, adding more layers will reflect the three-dimensional effect more, while reducing the spacing will This effectively solves the problem of scattered light and shadow, or no gap at all.
2. Size: because this is a hand-made prototype, the size and spacing of each layer are not very uniform. Laser cutting software will be used in future prototypes so the size of each layer can be seen, and the cutting of objects will be more accurate and beautiful.
3. Spacing. In this prototype, the spacing between layers will affect the direction of light, so I think it is necessary to add more layers and reduce the spacing. On the one hand, adding more layers will reflect the three-dimensional effect more, while reducing the spacing will This effectively solves the problem of scattered light and shadow, or no gap at all.
3. Second Prototype-Laser Cut
In the second model, I solved most of the problems, which was considered a success. It also gave me some inspiration for subsequent changes. For example, when I was taking pictures, I found that my model was well integrated with the environment, as if it was stuck in it. By completing the previously mentioned problems, the layering and aesthetics have been improved to a higher level. But it can't be used as a "light", so in the next modification, I decided to make a recessed shell for it and a removable bracket. This concave shell should well reflect the unique depth of the cava shape. Below is a screenshot of the digital pieces from Ilustrate.
4. Final Laser cutting Prototype
Upper is the final digital pieces part of my lamp. I chosed the shape circle for my outside covering for reflection layers. After that I used the machine to cut them into pecies and glue them all together. And the final photos is shown!
Final set of Photos
Overall, even though I am satisfied with those light and the layers visual effects. But I think it is not perfect. By learning laser cutting, I learned a lot of new skills and gained some knowledge of Adobe's software. Of course, I became more confident in my next design. But it is precisely because Laser cutting will be more labor-saving and convenient than 3D printing. As a result, I needed to give myself more time to prepare. On the last day, I was still trying to assemble my finished product, and I also needed more opportunities to get feedback from the teacher. But anyway, I learned a new skill and understood the role of laser cutting and how it might affect my future work. Next time, I may use its engraving part more because this makes laser cutting special. I'm still not very satisfied with the shooting and composition of my final work. On the one hand, my lamp leaked a little light, and since I didn't have the opportunity to use the camera, the effect could have been better.
But all in all, despite experiencing some confusion and anxiety, I still enjoyed this design and hope to use this skill to complete other projects in the future.
