Playing with ideas I found my original idea focused on the opacity and shadows emitted. To maximise is aesthetic potential, this Idea had potential, but I was more interested in ways I could represent something and have bigger effect when presented.
I explored options with spherical dome shapes as its simplicity can be very effective when presented as multiples and varied in size. We where also told to explore and visualise the forms in a smart way. I wanted the lights purpose to be symbolic of its shape therefore…
With my design sheet I wanted to explore ways in which I could keep in touch with family abroad, by having some kind of reminder to inform me when they were awake because of this I decided the dome shape would be appropriate to undertake as my form, to represent the world. I have family in the UK, Spain, Australia, USA and Canada. keeping in touch with them is always a problem because of time differences. These lights will aim to resurrect this issue by using time triggers to enable the LED light when the time reaches 7 o’clock and will illuminate for 1 hour fading in and out. This will create an interesting ever-changing constellation of light. Using tracing paper as the main material was challenging and I started by experimenting with using it as a paper mache material, although this would have work, I found the flexibility with the material limiting and it deformed when it dried. I then considered how the forms could remain in this dome shape and still continue to illuminate in a similar way. I used a hexagon shape to build up a 3D dome to create the lamp shade. I am pleased with my final outcome it was challenging to find a final solution as I didn’t want to loose the shape too much.
Looking into the potentials of prototyping I was inspired by the need of technologies to inform modern needs and understanding. I found the applications of Sam lab and IFTTT extremely influential in understanding how these things integrate and work with each other. Being able to see how the circuits work and have potential was really helpful in visualising my own work.
Having a crit helped me identify ways of adapting my design to consider other potentials to create a more effective product.
Considering syncing the forms to alarms so I know when my family members are awake.
Could they have one? Two ways so that they can see when I am awake
If I wasn’t limited on material use would these forms be effective in alternative materials such as porcelain because of its opacity or concrete because of its textural value?
Would they be colour coded or have distinguished features to tell each country apart?
If I didn’t have the restraints of tracing paper, I would develop these forms to have more textural value and be more of a spherical dome shape, I also believe the light emitted from this type of lamp shade would be much more beautiful and would affect in a dappled light and shadow effect.
Lara Hoad Artist Designer: Maker 