In order to fully explore and develop the desired aesthetic for this project, I have created a captivating mood board that serves as a source of inspiration and a visual guide. Through careful research and analysis, I have delved into the fascinating world of the art deco era, studying the unique design elements and aesthetics that define this iconic movement.
In each iteration, I looked at Shape, Shadow and Movement. This is because I wanted the lamp to look good with and without light and I wanted it to project attractive shadows onto the walls. I wanted the user to interact with the product.
Shape: My first prototype was made from recycled cardboard, reused from a cereal box. I established my concept of curved lines and circular features.
Shadow: They projected some shadow around when flat, but when faced upwards, the shadow was more intense. I wanted to continue with these oval shapes, but perhaps a thinner and more accurate shape to make a smoother curve.
Movement: I experimented hanging it from the ceiling and around a desk lamp to see what type of lamp I want to make, hanging it from string at different levels and from an angle. I decided that the angle was the best way to hang my lamp.
Shape: I laser cut this lamp out of 2mm plywood, making slots in the circles and tabs on the ovals.The plywood wasn’t flexible enough to curve around the circle. This meant it snapped in many places and I had to hold it together. I added extra ovals which I think added a more glamorous theme and fit the art deco aesthetic I wanted better. I have 3 ovals, which I think would look better as 4 as it will seem more symmetrical.
Shadow: By holding it together and shining my torch through it I could see that by adding extra ovals It creates a much more dynamic shadow, which changes intensity depending on how close it is to the wall. This shadow is what I would like to emulate in my next prototypes.
Movement:The ovals could not move in and out because there was no movement in the slots. I am going to make my next prototype out of card to experiment with hinges and see change in shadow.
Shape: I made this next prototype out of cardboard and laser cut it, making the strips thinner and more oval shaped than circular, creating a more elegant shape. I also changed it to 4 ovals rather than 3, making it more symmetrical. I stuck them all together at the same level, but I think it would look better in a tier.
Shadow: There is shadow on the wall even when it is not illuminated which I want as it makes it a feature of the room even when light is not needed. However the shadows are not that strong with the cardboard so I will make it out of another material.
Movement: As the petals are on folds, the cardboard showed me how I can move the ovals in and out and how this affects shadow.
Shape: I made this out of acrylic to ensure that the shape is established strongly. I used a line bender to bend the petals up. I made a wall hook to attach the shape off the wall at staggered positions and a downward angel.
Shadow: Strong, attractive shadows are illuminated on the wall both when illuminated and not- I will stick with this shape
.Movement: The acrylic is solid but lacks movement- this is my next adjustment. I made minimal packaging that clipped into the petals and could allow it to be carried.
Shape: Made from plywood, I used the same shape as my previous prototype but increased the size.
Shadow: The shadow can be adjusted intensity by moving the hinged ovals in and out to expose the light more or less.
Movement: I added small hinges onto each side of the ovals so that they can fold and bend out and in.
During this stage, I focused on improving the realism of my prototypes by using higher-quality materials and finishes. Alongside this, I began developing the lamp’s marketing and graphic design elements to communicate its identity and purpose effectively.
