Project Description:
I’m designing a lamp that leverage on the magical tradition of catching fireflies in a jar, as a playful and intuitive ritual to illuminate, dim and turn off the light. This projects also get support in the technical challenge of “making an LED fly”. The main concept relies from evoking memories as a powerful tool to make the audience engage in the experience.
Concept Diagram (Experience):
Schedule:
Phase 1. Research. Week 11. April 2nd – April 8th
Domain Definition and Analysis. Concept Statement Proposal. Define Audience and Context. 2D Sketch of the relation of a user with the possible design solution. Show the experience step by step (User Scenario). Creation of Concept Mood-boards and Inspiration. Prototype 1 “Look and Feel”. GIF – screen based – . This prototype would help to visualize the idea, and to quickly test how interested the audience may be to this experience. Precedents Research. Research on different Technologies and Tools that could potentially support the development of the project.
Phase 2. Concept Generation. Week 12. April 9th – April 15th
Prototype 2 “Look and Feel – Role” and User Test. Prototype with an actual jar (or something similar) and test the experience. How ‘Natural’ is it? Is it too complex? Too many steps? Ideation. 2D Sketches on Experience and Form (Aesthetics Language and Appearance). Project Development Plan. Technical Approach. Determine Materials. Design Refinement. Generate 2D drawings of the different views and sections of the final physical design to facilitate the 3D modeling.
Phase 3. Project Development. Week 13. April 16th – April 22nd
Prototype 3 “Implementation”. Technology Test 1. Test with different LEDs, arrangements and sensors… After reviewing Prototype 3, create the final technical and functional mockup. This will be a highly functional mockup. Consider Implementation. 3D CAD Model of the jar parts and mechanics housing. Send for 3D printing.
Phase 4. Construction. Week 14. April 23rd – April 29th
After receiving all the 3D components, the final product will be assembled and adjusted in the shop. Final User Tests.
Phase 5. Presentation Preparation. Week 15. April 30th – May 6
Create 3D renderings of final product for final presentation (6 images).Photograph and video record User experience.
Material List:
- Arduino UNO
- Breadboard
- Jumper Wires
- Controllable LED Strips. Or. LEDs connected in a matrix (Charlieplex)
- Power Supply
This is my vision on the technical execution. Any recommendations?
Precedents:
Infinity Mirrors by Yayoi Kusama. An interesting way of using mirrors and light to create an immersive experience of endless worlds.
Similar experience of using light and movement. Having the jar being frosted to hide the mechanisms and leds is a good strategy.