-Physical Product 1
BLUE - an interactive ambient lighting
Before my graduate program began, our cohort attended Camp EDI — a two-week intensive to build skills like woodworking, 3D printing, and mechatronics. For the final project, I challenged myself to step beyond digital design and create a physical project with an industrial design focus.
Time
Fall 2024
Skill
Woodwork
Mechatronics
01
Ideation
For my final project, I set out to combine technical skills with a personal narrative. Addressing a daily pain point—using my phone flashlight just to locate and switch on my floor lamp—I decided to create a light that automatically illuminates my room each evening. This light will also feature gentle animations when triggered, evoking a sense of calm after a long day.
Reflecting on places that hold meaning for me—Nantong, San Diego, and now Evanston—all connected by water, I realized the ocean has always been a grounding presence. Whether by the shore of the Pacific or Lake Michigan, I find solace in the sound of waves and the feel of the breeze. This project will channel that feeling, creating a light that embodies the calming, rhythmic essence of the ocean.
02
Showcase
To achieve the smooth ripple patterns on wood, I began by sculpting the model in Blender, then used a CNC machine to carve it. Learning the CNC and tackling the extensive sanding afterward were challenging, but seeing the final piece come together made it worthwhile. I laser-cut the base, 3D-printed the lampshade, and wrapped up most of the physical construction.
For the electronics, I integrated a circuit board and a PIR sensor to enable a seamless interaction. The most challenging part was refining the lighting effect through repeated tests, but I’m thrilled that everything finally aligned.
03
Demo
BLUE is an interactive table lamp designed to respond warmly to its environment.
When illuminated, approaching BLUE initiates a sunrise and sunset effect, creating a welcoming ambiance.
04
One More Thing…
Initially, I struggled with importing my Blender file into the CNC machine software. As a workaround, I explored laser-cutting an alternative design inspired by the studio’s wall paneling. Later on, I managed to troubleshoot the CNC process, so in the end, I ended up with two distinct lights!
Appreciate the Scroll!