solstice
5 weeks | fall semester 2025
create a led battery powered lamp that plays with light in a unique way, enhancing user experience. using modularity as a main concept, investigate how it pairs with internal as well as external component design.
project brief
how can modularity unlock new ways for a battery-powered LED lamp to play with light,
and empower users to shape, and own their experience?
following maximalism, forms were studied to gain an idea of what shapes would best encapsulate the desired design direction.
inspiration
initial thumbnail sketches
by focusing on emulating maximalism in different capacities, it allowed for a broad amount of ideas to be put down.
refined concept visualization
after defining the concept that was to be furthered, the placement of each ellipse was carefully considered.
by creating prototypes along the way, it allowed for learning through the design process. in this case, the decision was made to go from sitting on a surface to mounted on a wall, as well as increasing the amount of light spheres from one to two.
prototyping
following the decision of the final direction, iterations were made in fusion to refine and finalize the design. by addressing tolerances, lighting effects, as well as working to truly indicate the modularity, it all comes together.
cad modeling
before creating the final prototype, a series of tolerance tests were done to see what would allow for the best fit after roadblocks in initial prototyping. all points of contact were taped off then the pieces were primed, sanded, painted, and finished.
final prototyping
each light sphere contains its own led strip and battery pack, and can be turned on via the button on the bottom. secured by an annular joint, whenever the sphere needs some more life, just pop the top off, and replace the batteries.
exploded view
lamp modularity
the spheres can be placed wherever you like.
main body structure
comprised of eight main pieces, this lamp’s structure is made to be slotted together for ease of storage and assembly.
with a highlight on modularity, this lamp presents the user with three unique use-cases. one, place the light spheres wherever you choose for a custom lighting experience; two, use any of the empty spaces on the lamp as a shelf for decoration; three, remove any light sphere, and use it as an ambient light wherever you may be.