enlight.
“Design a stylish task or mood lamp to be used in a domestic or commercial environment, using one of the WGSN trend outlines as a key area of focus.”
This product was shortlisted for a national LIA award.
what.
To begin this investigation I initially looked into the predicated design trends of the following year. I found there was a lot of overlap with the idea of portable lighting, which also aligned with the WGSN trend of creating flexible solutions for multifunctional spaces.
who.
Next, I began to look into which types of people would benefit from having portable, multifunctional lighting. I came to the conclusion that the most suitable target market would be for home and hybrid workers as they would often have to use rooms in the house for both work and rest.
why.
To understand the needs and pain points of the refined demographic I used a combination of different primary research methods to begin generating a solution which would overcome challenges faced.
the problem.
After conducting the primary research I found there were 3 key areas outlined from speaking to members of the demographic. These insights acted as the basis for the direction of the design and refined the brief.
Most people work in their bedrooms which is shown to cause sleep issues.
Participants claimed they’ve had a declining work-life balance since working from home.
Most people find it difficult to disconnect from work when working from home.
thought process.
When designing the lamp I wanted to make it is simple as possible to switch between a task and a mood light so that you can easily disconnect once the work day is over.
I developed a concept which hit all of the outlined specifications and wanted to test it to see if it was fit for purpose and created quick paper prototypes.
FAIL TO PREPARE...
After testing the concept I found there was a key issue with the design. The lamp ‘head’ offset the centre of gravity causing the lamp to be easily tipped over.
To overcome this issue and maintain the original design, I lowered and centralised the balance point of the lamp by altering the structure of the base from a tube to a bar. I tested this theory using CAD models and engineering principles to create the perfect balance to ensure functionality.
the solution.
Cultivating a positive work-life balance and improving productivity is not only created whilst working, but also when not. The science backed light modes guide you through your day, energising and helping you focus in the morning, and promoting relaxation and sleep after the work days over. With the ability to adjust the angle of the light source it makes it even easier to transition between a task and a mood lamp to help you make that switch between work and rest.
simple for user.
To create a seamless user experience, I designed the lamp to be as easy to use as possible. By pressing on the single handed controls you can cycle between the different modes in the order they will be used throughout the day (Energise, Focus, Relax), and adjust the brightness by rotating.
The Sleep and Midnight light modes are kept out of the cycle so that you can activate them without turning on the bright white lights and impacting your circadian rhythm.
The anodised, cylindrical body has been designed with anthropometric data to create a firm yet comfortable grip which won’t leave fingerprints, helping maintain its premium finish.
details matter.
To allow full flexibility and portability, the enlight has the option to be powered using a USB-C cable or batteries, offering 6 hours of light at full brightness. When the lamp is on charge, the rotatable base allows you to direct the cable away from your workspace, helping you create a clear working environment, free from mess and distractions.
more than just a render.
Although this product wasn’t going into production I wanted to test my ability to design products for manufacture as a proof of concept. I designed the polypropylene elements with injection moulding principles in mind, using draft angles and carefully preventing undercuts.
made to last.
The enlight has been designed with its environmental impact in mind, from production to end of life. The polypropylene core is made from up to 95% recycled plastic, and the aluminium shell is also recycled and fully recyclable. This has been made easier by designing the lamp to be assembled using only M2 screws, meaning it can be easily broken down to be repaired, separated, and recycled at the end of its life with a single screwdriver.