This week, we talked about how lighting’s true allure sometimes lies in its effect, not purpose. The above pictured force sensing lamps from designer Kebei Li (as part of his undergraduate thesis) pertains to this more intangible essence of illumination, with the sense of purpose playing a secondary role.
The activation of the lamps comes from the pressure applied on their top panel. This pressure is gauged and mapped, which in turn is translated to the corresponding magnitude of light. In other words, the working scope of the lamps is completely depended on the weight provided by the user.
Now, this flexible usage pattern might just hint at the personalized level of functionality, with the consumer determining when and how to use the lamp. But the ‘true’ purpose of the lamp gets overshadowed by this whimsical tendency. For example – you can showcase the lamp for ambient lighting or you can utilize it as a desk lamp for practical reasons; but both scenarios would require adequate weight at the top (in spite of their difference in purpose).
There is a clear symbolic side to this whole affair. According to the designer, we as consumers have a tendency to adapt to popular choices made in the commercial realm, despite some presumably difficult-to-use products (like QWERTY keyboards). However, irrational behavior is a part of being human, and the experimental lamps fulfill this capricious quotient by bridging the gap between functionality and purpose.
You can adopt the prototypes of these force sensing lamps from Craigslist.
Via: Designer’s Site
