Concept 1 - Looking at Alternative Energy and Innovative Solutions:
A high fashion trench coat with flexible solar panel shoulder pads. After walking around outside during the day, the user can push a button on the inside collar to turn on a subtle light under the yolk.
Concept 2 - Looking at Innovative Solutions to tell a story:
An underwater pool light that looks and acts like seaweed. There's a weighted base. The light is contained in a sealed plastic case with air pockets so that the float upwards to the surface.
I do have some concerns about safety, like getting tangled in the strands...
Concept 3 - Looking at Trade Solutions:
This concept is an egg candler. After researching existing products, I noted the commonality of this light funnel which the egg rests on. This isn't a very compact or portable feature, so I've made it twist out. The other feature is the different ways the candler can be set up to accomodate for usage preferences.
Concept 4 - Looking at Major Retail:
One problem identified was that all flashlights look the same. I would like to develop a flashlight targeted to outdoor use. The main innovation would be an integrated casing in a flexible rubber or foam fabric such as neoprene. My inspiration came from a banana, and the idea of pulling back the cover to reveal the light. I would also take the opportunity to experiment with some different forms.
UPDATE: This is the concept I've decided to continue with.
Concept 5
Shoulderpad Model - Model looking at how the solar panels could be formed into an appropriate shape.
Fabric Flashlight Model - Looking at how a fabric cap could be used to cover the light source.
User Testing - Exploration of different textiles which could be used as the base of the flashlight. Users most prefered leather and neoprene. Both fabrics would target a different market really. Neoprene is more sporty and outdoors feeling, while leather is more expensive and luxurious feeling.
Exploded View - A very rough exploded view to help me work through the components I might need to design.
Proof of Concept - A very rough attempt at creating the fabric casing out of neoprene to hold the batteries without a solid case inside.
Existing Products - Exploring the light quality and the construction of existing products.
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Lighting Project
