Contemporary Desk Lamp
Organic LED technology in modern task lighting
CONTEXT
An OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) is a type of flat light-emitting technology.
It works by placing layers of organic thin films between two conductors. Unlike LCD displays, OLEDs emit their own light and don't need a backlight making them thinner and more energy-efficient. However, OLEDs are still some years away from widespread use as a source of general illumination, largely due to their high cost.
CONTEXT
OLEDWorks wanted to explore consumer lighting solutions using OLED panels.
OLED panels can be made very thin, increasing their visual appeal and allowing for easy attachment to the surfaces of walls and ceilings. This, coupled with the diffuse nature of OLED lighting, greatly expand the design possibilities, allowing for a new type of lighting experience.
LIGHTING ERGONOMICS
Lighting ergonomics focuses on creating an optimal lighting environment to enhance comfort, productivity, and well-being in a workspace.
Lighting ergonomics focuses on creating an optimal lighting environment to enhance comfort, productivity, and well-being in a workspace. An ergonomically lit environment involves balancing different lighting sources while considering the following key factors:
the use of adequate light to reduce eye strain
reducing glare to prevent eye fatigue
minimizing reflections and shadows helps to maintain visual comfort
adjusting color temperature of the lighting to suit the kind of work being done
Additionally, proper task lighting is essential to illuminate specific work areas without causing glare. Adjustable lighting levels allow for customization based on individual preferences and tasks.
IDEATION
Exploring concepts for both ambient and task lighting
OLED panels emit light evenly across their surface, providing a soft and diffused illumination. My initial ideation for task and ambient lighting revolved around taking advantage of this feature.
THE GOAL
Design a task light that will fit into an ergonomic personal work space
OLED panels emit light evenly across their surface, providing a soft and diffused illumination. My initial ideation for task and ambient lighting revolved around taking advantage of this feature.
CONCEPT
What could a typical desk lamp look like with the thin and lightweight profile of the OLED panel?
Through extensive thumbnail sketches and sketch models, I explored various concepts that emphasized the unique shape and diffused light of OLED panels. This model struck a balance between the unconventional OLED panel shape and a familiar form. The slender panels could allow for a unique yet simple form, balancing familiarity with novelty.
CONCEPT
Designing and refining a solution for efficient assembly
The head of the lamp needed to accommodate wiring and a tilting mechanism. Through hands-on experimentation with various materials and construction methods, I was able to evaluated the structural integrity, assembly efficiency and usability of the design.
PROTOTYPE
Evaluating materials and assembly for the base and head of the lamp
The head of the lamp needed to accommodate wiring and a tilting mechanism. Through hands-on experimentation with various materials and construction methods, I was able to evaluated the structural integrity, assembly efficiency and usability of the design.
PRODUCTION
Assembling six lamps in a streamlined process
With a head made almost entirely out of laser cut parts, and a base made of steel rod bent with clamps and molds, assembling the lamp is quick and easily repeatable.
DELIVERABLES
An adjustable task light that minimizes glare
Featuring an adjustable tilting mechanism for customized positioning, the lamp balances a novel form factor with familiar desk lamp functionality. It is designed for personal workspace environments and prioritizes visual comfort for the user.
