The Chunky Lamp: A Cozy, Modern Lighting Solution for Home and Glamping
Design Research
3D Modeling
Product Design
Design Challenge
For this project, I was tasked with brainstorming and conceptualizing an intriguing new product using LED lighting technology for GLMPR, a manufacturer of innovative camping and outdoor leisure equipment.
Project Scope:
2D sketching - thumbnail sketches, orthographic drawings
Fusion 360 - modeling shapes in CAD
Physical modeling
Fusion 360 - rendering models
Present product story
My Role
Year
Research
Product Designer
Prototyping
Spring 2023
Length
3 weeks
Problem
We were tasked with designing a new product for a company specializing in camping and outdoor equipment. It made me wonder, how can I design a product suitable for the camping experience, when I myself don’t go camping much? I decided to shift my perspective and focus on the glamping community; I envisioned a weekend cabin getaway in Big Bear.
An LED powered lamp featuring four donut rings placed on a small circular base, creating a playful yet sophisticated silhouette. The amber coating helps diffuse the light emitted by the LED light bulb, and provides a warm hue throughout the space.
Solution
Designing a lighting device for indoor use helped me in making design decisions as I didn’t have to worry about it being particularly waterproof. I focused my design on creating an aesthetically pleasing, modern, yet cozy lamp that could elevate any cabin experience.
Insights
Research & Inspiration:
At the time of this design, I was obsessed with Gustaf Westman's line of products. From his chunky cup, to the wavy mirror, I was specially inspired by his iconic chunky plates. I was struck by a picture he had recently posted on instagram featuring multiple stacks of chunky plates after a holiday dinner party. Another source of inspiration was Wooj Design. They make 3D printed lamps with organic patterns that are absolutely stunning. I was particularly inspired by their Allium Lamp because of the warm hue the lampshade generated.
image description
Concept Sketching:
The design process began with ten quick ideation sketches, where I mostly brain dumped different lamps I had observed or came to mind as I was drawing. Some were table lamps, others floor or ceiling lamps, and a few explored organic shapes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
image description
Orthographic Drawings:
From the ten sketches, I selected three designs to further explore and sketch orthographic drawings for. The sketches showcased what each lamp would look like from the top, front and side view. Looking back I realized I selected the designs that correspond to a geometric shape: rectangle, triangle, and circle. This was unintentional at the time, but I supposed subconsciously I wanted to explore a variety in form and how that would translate in a glamping setting. Ultimately the designs that featured rectangular or triangular shapes were too rigid, and didn’t translate well to the warmth and invitingness I was going for.
image description
image description
image description
3D Model Prototyping:
Once I had selected the final orthographic sketch, I translated it into Fusion 360. This step helped me visualize the lamp in a three dimensional setting, and experiment with different diameters. I ultimately decided to follow Gustaf Westman’s dimensions for the chunky plate, and made my donut rings 10 inches in diameter. Once I had a diameter selected, I played around with different thicknesses, until I was satisfied with the aesthetic look of the lamp. I decided to keep the middle portion of the lamp hollow. To finish it off, I added a slightly smaller circular base so the lamp would sit elevated from whatever surface it is placed on. And I included an LED light bulb placed at the center of the donut rings.
image description
image description
image description
image description
Physical Model:
Once I had the dimensions set in the 3D modeling software, I crafted a physical model to consider the lamp’s scale in the real world. This iteration would help me determine if I was happy with the dimensions I had, or if they needed further adjustments. At first I thought the 10 inches in diameter might’ve been too big, but after seeing the physical model in a room, and comparing it to the size of a hand, I decided to move forward with the original dimensions.
Materials:
White foam-core board
Charcoal grey cardboard
10in extruded white foam wreath
Plastic bottle
LED Tealight
Hot glue
image description
image description
image description
image description
Volumetrics:
The finishing touches included adding a driver and USB port to the base, which would allow the lamp to be recharged so it could function without the need to be plugged into a wall. It also made it portable and reliable even when the electricity was cut off. And an LED lamp/light bulb. This could be interchangeable to smart light bulbs that would allow the host to customize the color as well as turn the lightbulb on and off from other devices.
image description
Material Exploration and 3D Renderings:
Once the overall structure of the lamp was finalized, I explored different materials, and how those finishes affected the aesthetic of the lamp. One of the designs featured a colorful glazed ceramic look inspired by the original chunky plate finishes. Another option was completely made out of chrome or stainless steel.
1.
image description
Although those options were fun, they didn’t quite fit the cozy cabin atmosphere it was meant to be placed in. The final materials were selected with that aesthetic in mind:
Donuts | Phenolic (Amber) Transparent Plastic
Base | Aluminum - Anodized Rough (Black)
LED Lamp/Light Bulb | SMD 5630 - 50lm (white)
2..
image description
The Chunky Lamp:
A Cozy, Modern Lighting Solution for Home and Glamping
Designed to blend modern aesthetics with cozy charm. Inspired by Gustaf Westman's iconic chunky plates, this unique lamp features 4 10-inch diameter donut rings, creating a playful yet sophisticated silhouette. Crafted from amber transparent plastic, the lamp casts a warm, inviting glow when lit, instantly transforming any space into a sanctuary of comfort. Its portability and USB-rechargeable power make the lamp versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, bridging home décor with glamping needs. A piece that is as functional as it is beautiful.
REFLECTION
This project allowed me to tap into a more whimsical and fun side as a designer. Having worked in many UI heavy projects, focusing mainly on digital aspects of a design, it was freeing to create something intended for physical use in a physical space. I love interior design, and admittedly, spent way too much time looking at vintage decor on Facebook marketplace and Pinterest. Being able to design a product with an aesthetic result in mind, and picturing the spaces it could live in was exciting. I was proud to create a lamp I could see myself using in my home, as I try to create a homey and cozy environment for all our guests.
In terms of skills, this project exposed me to new software and design practices. I learned how to use Fusion360 for 3D prototyping and rendering, and how to sketch product orthographic drawings, as well as add volumetrics. It stretched me as a designer in every way, from a challenging and unfamiliar prompt, to an equally challenging and unfamiliar product development, it opened my horizons as a designer to a field I had never considered before. Who knows, maybe now I’ll become a product designer focused on elevated home goods that are both aesthetically pleasing, unique, and functional. I’d love to explore the opportunity to turn my Chunky Lamp into a 3D prototype that I could pitch to get manufactured.
Final Deck