Light Shade Filter

A light based shade to recreate the beauty of light filtering through trees.

The Light Shade is an interaction between the source of light and the physical shade which is movable to continuously open and close new places for the light to come through. 

Light filter shade

A unique connection between a light source and the ground in a distribution of light filters. Interestingly the light takes the shape of whe source of the light. If the bulb is round, the result is circles of light on the ground. If the bulb is square, you will have many squares of light on the ground.

Light shade filter

Find light source, hold shade, move ever so slightly, notice array of light cascading to floor

SCOPE

Product Design | Physical Computation |

Rapid Prototype | research |

DURATION

Prototyping: Week 1

Research Paper. Week 2

ELEMENTS

Paper specialty | wooden embroidery rings | gold chains to connect hanging parts

Fan for gentle movements | Light source sun

TOOLS

ruler | glue | scissors |

Drills | pencil

The light shade is a simple art installation designed to create a peaceful atmosphere. It allows individuals to customize their environment, making them feel as if they are enjoying the outdoors.

Problem: Inadequate soothing indoor lighting negatively impacts people's well-being.

Traditional lighting often features harsh, blue-tinted overhead lights. Ambient lighting, which could improve well-being, is often overlooked in workspaces and public spaces due to added cost, time, and effort. How can we encourage interior designers to prioritize lighting for mental health without significant expense?

The increasing screen time and constant exposure to fluorescent lighting in today's digital age is concerning. (Further research on the effects of screen time on mental health and eyesight is recommended.)

Filtering light works, at the SFO incorporated a filtered lighting effect for the public space, located after passing through security

ABOUT

Lighting benefits people's mental and intellectual health. Guided by user-centered design principles, I propose 'Lighting-Filter-Shade', a tangible lighting shade for any space. The main goal is to blend natural lighting effects with indoor lighting manipulation, creating new atmospheric possibilities.

This project was a solo effort. I was responsible for:

• Concept Development: Conceptualizing and designing the "Lighting-Filter-Shade" product.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Resolving technical issues during development.

• Research: Conducting research to inform the design and functionality.

• Ideation: Inspired by outdoor tree filtering and pinhole lighting, developing the concept for the light shade.

• Mechanism: Designing the overlapping paper and movable mechanism to create the desired lighting effects, including determining the optimal distance for these effects.

• Technology: Integrating a fan to create movement and motion in the light.

• Fabrication: Designing and creating the physical product, including layering with optimal space design, paper holders, and the wooden body.

• Visual Design: Developing the visual color palette.

Special Thanks:

• The Communications Department for providing filming space in their well-lit building.

• My family for allowing me to use the kitchen counter as a workspace.

• Jim Babbitt for providing a studio space for project development.