Introduction
At the start of the semester I was at a state where I was in desperate need of scoping down my project. And for this course we were to use prototyping as a tool to make our research project more tangible – perfect for me! So… how to make a prototype for my problem statement: “how to save the world”?
The Prototype
For Birgits speed date session, we were to create a lo-fi prototype of something random or something regarding our thesis. Since I did not know which of the 1000 problems regarding mye current topic to attack, I chose to prototype something random.
In my case, I wanted to make something physical that I could actually have use for. Something that would solve a very tangible problem. Thats why I prototyped a lampshade.
The Process
The problem I have, is that the lamp in my room is very, very bright, and very, very white. Nothing I did with this room could make it cozy – I always felt like I was sleeping in a hospital room. So how to make a quick and cheap solution to this?
My vision was to use something partly seethrough, with a warm colour, to cover the bright white lightbulb with. It could be fabric, paper or anything with these attributions. I found inspiration in chinese paper lanterns, which always gives a warm and cozy vibe.
My first prototype was made of a trashbag and tape, and was made in 2 minutes. This was to test functionality of the tightening mechanics.
I also tested the color and tightening mechanics of my sleeping mat bag. This worked surprisingly good!
Further on I made a prototype of regular paper and tape, to try and figure out a shape that could work but also look ok.
Then I finally made the final prototype, using thin silk paper, as the chinese lamps would have. This prototype ended up working pretty well, and looking decent.
The end product. Is still used on my big light until this very moment.
The Speed Dating
Through the speed dating session, we let our classmates test and review each others prototypes. From this, we were able to get a lot of feedback in a short period of time. Something I will take with me for my final thesis. Speed testing is a valuable tool, especially in the startfase, where you really just want to test the basics of your idea.
Even though I will not continue prototyping my lamp, I am happy for this experience, and hope to find my topic ASAP.
