illuminate
5 Week Project | Winter 2024
A lamp designed for individuals with Parkinson’s to enhance ease of use and emotional well-being.
Project Focus: DFA, Accessibility, Wiring, Research
the problem
1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease takes many forms in people, but common symptoms make operating a lamp difficult.
the goal
I set out to design a lamp that accommodates symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
research
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, Scott advocates for people with Parkinson’s and is a board member and a top volunteer of Parkinson’s Foundation Development Committee.
“I don’t think people understand all of the things that are involved when you have Parkinson’s. People think it’s a tremor, but it’s so much more” - Scott Rider
types of parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is known as a snowflake disease, meaning no two people have the same symptoms. Because of this it’s important to consider users of all ages and abilities.
symptoms of parkinsons
Not every symptom of Parkinson’s will affect a user’s interaction with a lamp. I targeted the symptoms that can most likely be impacted and relieved by a thoughtful lamp design.
design iteration
1960s inspiration
I drew visual inspiration from products and fashion popular in the 1960s. Their use of warm color and interesting yet ergonomic forms strongly inspired my final design.
design objectives
Comforting Light
Easy to Power On
Stable
Easy to Swap Batteries
analyzing color
I chose warm-toned colors for my lamp design. I wanted my lamp to be bright and uplifting for users, and I found that warm tones are the most successful at accomplishing this.
form exploration
CAD ITERATIONS
Exploring fin shape, width, and how they impact light distortion.
design analysis
Early model-making to analyze scale, light distortion, proportion, and button placement.
Battery testing which print makes removing a battery easiest. Three people tested each print and all three decided the iteration on the right is the most accessible.
Analyzing 3D printed prototypes for scale, snap fitting, and piece assembly.
design solution
What’s next?
At the time of this project I was not in close proximity to a person who experiences tremors, bradykinesia, depression and anxiety, and serotonin loss as a result of Parkinson’s disease. My first priority would be to do hands-on testing with people with these symptoms. I would also like to think further into the materiality and manufacturing on the lamp.
