Purposeful Lighting
Physical electronics product design that pioneers a new way to sustainably decorate for Christmas. Created a working prototype utilizing edge-lit acrylic that minimizes light reflection to the sky while maintaining a classic Christmas decoration aesthetic.
Christmas decorations have not adapted to the new era of sustainability, and none take light pollution into account. This design defines a new and responsible way to decorate for Christmas that minimizes an individual's impact on suburban light pollution.
Spring 2021 / Sophomore Studio
Electronics Prototyping, Adobe Illustrator, Laser Cutting, Sustainable Product Design
Sustainability Research
.png)
Light pollution is the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light that affects our environment, our safety, our energy consumption and our health. It is often overlooked when compared to other ecological concerns, but as more research is published we find that light pollution has greatly impacts our lives. The International Dark Sky Association explains this best: “For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. It’s encoded in the DNA of all plants and animals. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night.”
According to a 2014 study by NASA, nighttime lights are 20 to 50 percent brighter in US cities during the winter holiday season. While impractical, Christmas and holiday lights are ingrained in American culture and everyday citizens will not easily give them up for the sake of the environment. This became my purpose for this lighting project: design a holiday light decoration that emits minimal light pollution.
Design Imperatives
Aesthetic
Fits within an established Christmas aesthetic and goes well with other decorations.
Long Lasting
This decoration is an investment and will not be thrown away after a year. Design should feel timeless.
Sustainable
Design uses LED lights set to a warm temperature and does not direct light upwards.
Sketch Model
For this project, I challenged myself to use paper models instead of sketching my ideas. This helped me tangibly understand what the physical product would look like from all angles. I also employed a new type of form exploration while choosing Christmas objects to design. I started with an image from the Nutcracker Ballet and abstracted shapes to build with.
The class set up pin boards and we critiqued each others' sketch models. I used their critique to inform my decision on which object to make, ultimately deciding the angel decoration would be best.
Each design is abstracted from shapes found in the Nutcracker Ballet.
Aesthetic Inspiration
Pattern Design
This was my first time using Adobe Illustrator and my first time laser cutting. I had to follow very specific instructions to get my etching weight correct and to indicate which lines to cut along.
Assembly
I didn't get many in-process photos because I was more concerned about holding glued acrylic in place. Next time I'll set up a tripod and do a time lapse.
To assemble this I had to solder electronic connections, glue acrylic, hold LED's in place with craft foam, and troubleshoot along the way. I really could have benefitted from a practice assembly out of cardboard, and I wish I could tell my younger self to do that.
Final Prototype
My final design utilizes edge-lit acrylic to direct light away from the sky, minimizing cloud reflection and light pollution. This decoration fits perfectly on the front porch. The LED lights are set to warm white since blue light is harmful to humans and animals at night.
Lessons Learned
This was a very challenging sophomore studio project, and I have so many ideas to improve both the design and presentation. First of all, I should have taken more photos documenting the assembly. Secondly, I want to remake this on a CNC router using one large piece of acrylic. During this project I was limited to the size of our school's laser cutters and that is the only reason the angel is split into multiple pieces. Thirdly, I need to come up with a sturdier base structure that will withstand outdoor weather conditions and yearly wear and tear. Lastly, if I could go back in time I would take better final pictures of my product. My little angel did not get to shine properly in her finished product photos.
Looking forward I would love to make a small collection of edge-lit Christmas decorations to put up at my own house and give to friends and family.
Document the proccess
Use CNC router
Test with a sturdier base
Take professional photos
