Desk Lamp

Desk Lamp

1. Manufacturing

   • Costs
     • Using stainless steel and LED's is expensive but these costs can be offset by making the lamp run on electricity instead of incorporating solar
     • The quality of the product (durability and efficiency) is more important than producing a cheaper product
   • Materials
     • Metals
       • Using as an accent
       • Stainless steel is expensive to manufacture however it is better for the durability of the lamp as it doesn't tarnish
       • Stainless steel is easily plated to give colour
     • Woods
       • Using as the beam and arm
       • Cheap and readily available
       • Easily cut and processed
       • Pine
         • Grown commercially so it is cheaper
         • Stains and shapes easily
     • Plastics
       • Good in electrical circuits as it is not conductive
       • Cheap and easily shaped
       • Thermoset plastics are good to use in a circuit as they withstand high temperatures
         • Phenol formaldehyde or Urea formaldehyde are suitable for switches and handles
         • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is suitable for wire insulation
         • Polytetrafluoroethene is suitable also for electronics
   • Construction
     • No real variance in size or function possible
     • Having a moveable light allows interaction between user and product
       • Customisable

2. Functionality

   • Dimensions
     • Needs to fit on a desk
       • Small weighted base to support a larger arm
       • Base shouldn't exceed around 20x20cm
       • Cord connecting to power point needs to be long enough to reach down a desk
         • Around one meter
   • Ease of Use
     • Can the lamp easily be moved
       • A foldable arm
         • provides flexible light
         • Only really alters light's brightness from further or closer away
         • Tightness of joins needs to be considered so arm is flexible but holds position
         • Would require multiple brackets and screws
         • Increase complexity of design but decreases streamlined design
       • A moveable light
         • Creates flexibility in where the light illuminates on desk
         • Doesn't allow for brightness to be altered so a brighter bulb (Eg a LED) would be required
         • Only one bracket would be needed
           • Ball and socket would give an appropriate movement
           • More streamlined
           • Handle may be needed to increase ease of use
     • Energy source
       • Battery
         • Although no running costs of electricity the batteries would need to be replaced
         • Due to no cords or light restrictions consumers could place the lamp anywhere
         • However batteries would mean that the lamp could stop working when consumers need it requiring spare batteries or there would be no lamp
           • Rechargeable batteries could be used
             • More expensive
       • Solar
         • Renewable
           • Consumers are switching towards more renewable options
         • Requires solar panels
           • Would need to be small to account for dimension restrains
           • Costs
             • Durable solar panels are expensive
             • Cheaper options are poor quality
           • Can this be charged indoors
             • Desks would have to located near a window
               • This reduces the amount of consumers that could purchase this product
       • Electricity
         • Doesn't require replacement or light
         • Power cord length
           • Approximately one meter should reach most desks
           • Extensions leads can be used which means all consumers can use the product
         • Cost
           • High efficiency light bulbs would give low running costs
           • Would have a running cost unlike solar power
   • Durability
     • Consumers would need a long lasting lamp
       • LED light bulbs
       • Metal and wooden base and arm
       • A more durable lamp would have a higher initial cost but would have lower running costs and be replaced less often
     • Would having a folding arm decrease durability with added strain on joints
       • A movable light provides the same flexibility with use but with less joints would provide less stress

3. User Analysis

   • Needs
     • Who would use this product
       • Students
       • Workers
       • Anyone with a desk
       • If there are no consumers or demand the product will not sell
       • Does this design stand out
         • Why should people choose your product over others out there
           • As this design is not providing a particularly unique purpose it's design and style will have to attract consumers
             • Colours need to be popular
               • Metallic/Shiny
               • Wood provides a contrast that is appealing
             • A flexible light gives a design element that gives unique aspect of this product over most
     • What would it be used for
   • Design
     • How does it turn on
       • Switch
         • Easy design
         • Easily understood concept
         • Switch could break
           • Durable material
             • Plastics
         • Placement
           • Cord or base
             • Cord would be more flexible and easier as the electrical circuit is already flowing through
             • On the base would be slightly easier for a consumer but a more complex design
       • Button
         • Easy comcept for users to undertsand
         • Not as durable
           • Button could become stuck
       • Smart phone or tablet?
         • More advanced design
           • Do I understand the components enough to design this
         • Would create an easily accessible product
         • What if a smart phone isn't charged or if someone doesn't have one
           • Less consumers = less product sold
           • Would need another form of switch/button
       • Clap or noise?
         • Not as easily understood
         • Could be set off unintentionally
         • Can be turned on or off from a distant

4. Interactions

   • Dimensions
     • If the design is too big it won't fit with other items on the desk
     • The arm needs to be tall enough to provide a workable brightness and maintain concentration of light
   • Style
     • Traditional or modern light
       • Modern light
         • More streamlined design
         • Simple design
         • Easily blends into a workspace
       • Traditional
         • Retro designs are stylish
           • Consumers purchase on both function and looks
         • light is dimmed by shades and covers
         • As more common less originality with design
       • Needs to remain gender neutral to increase consumers
   • Colour
     • Bright or harsh colours could create a distraction in an environment where users are working and concentrating on complex tasks
     • Colours that are natural or muted would give a better base for a desk
     • Polished metals and metallic tones combine a more modern style whilst still remaining neutral
   • Integrating technology
     • Could the base incorporate a wireless charging pad?
     • Could the lamp be controlled using Google Home?

5. Style

   • Colours
     • Try to avoid bright or harsh colours
     • Keep the design streamlined and muted
     • Use natural features and polished metals to give a modern industrial design
       • Rose Gold
       • Brass
       • Copper
       • Silver
   • Masculine/Feminine
     • Design should be appealing to both
     • Colours should remain neutral
     • Metals combined with wood suit this
   • Materials
     • Metals
       • Stainless Steel
         • Can be plated with another colour
         • Does not stain or tarnish
         • Commonly manufactured and easily obtained
       • Fits into style of modern and retro designs
       • Durable and long lasting
       • Brass
         • Can tarnish and stain
         • Interesting and stylish colour
         • Easily manufactured and obtained
       • As metals are good conductors they are not suitable for making all parts in a lamp
     • Wood
       • Cheap and easily sourced
       • Durable
       • Can be made from reused and recycled sources to increase renewability
       • Can be stained to suit any colour scheme
       • Cannot be made into some parts required in an electrical circuit
     • Plastic
       • Easily produced and can be any colour
         • Good for making smaller parts and features
       • Not as durable or strong as metal
       • Doesn't meet the same design and style as metal or wood
     • Light Bulbs
       • Incandescent
         • Inefficient
           • High running costs
         • Cheap and readily avaiable
           • Easily replaced
         • Typically last around one year, 700 - 1000 hours of use
       • LED's
         • Highly efficient
           • Lower running cost
         • Instant output of maximum lumens
         • More expensive to purchase
           • Replaced less often
         • Typically last 15,000 to 30,000 hours
       • CFL's
         • Can contain toxic materials
         • Typically lasts 6000 - 15000 hours
         • Energy efficient
         • Cheap running costs
   • Modern
     • Industrial
       • Fits in well with minimalist style
       • Both masculine and feminine
       • Combines wood and metal to create stylish pieces which works with reclaimed materials
     • Colours are often more muted tones
     • Polished metals