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Context, Problem &

Design Brief

Conte
xt
Most commercially available lamps are very standard and unexciting and quite dull in their
design. However, it is noted that their purpose is still fulfilled, as it provides high intensity
lighting for rooms, yet they are offering new and modern consumers less aspects for the
lamps to being sold. Attractiveness has differed and altered a lot from the past as the
typical yellow/white light is not appealing to the target market. In the modern era the more
vibrant and more extravagant the colours the better. Likewise, the themes of lamps have
Proble
not been updating to maintain the latest fashion in the present era.

m
I frequently find that my desktop often feels empty, and my room seems quite dark. While I
am studying, the low level of light in my room prevents me from studying quietly in my
room away from any distraction, this can cause a disruption to students education and may
affect their grades.. On the other hand my brother has a desk lamp, but after much analysis
of such desk lamps, it has revealed that it uses and wastes large amounts of area on the
desk. Likewise, another issue is that the design on the lamp is typical, unattractive and
gives off rather a dull coloured glow. Other issues include the lack of innovative and
attractive themes and vibrant colours which will fascinate and charm the current
generation. Another issue that I have found is that a lamp only seems to have one purpose,
which is quite outdated in the present multitasking world i.e. a clock or docking station.
Design
After much research on the internet and various marketing websites, I couldnt find a
Brief
product
could overcome
thus highlighting
a gap into
the
I plan onthat
developing
a design my
thatproblem
will consider
and give resolution
allmarket.
of the issues that I
have mentioned, while still ensuring that the product also meets its original specification
i.e., to provide lighting to the area, ensure it is an appropriate height for a desktop, also the
dimensions should be appropriate for an average desk and take up minimal space, also It
must have a unique yet quite an appealing and modern theme with a lot of vibrant colours,
so it is appealing to the target market.

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

Problem Analysis
Research Plan

&

Before I proceed on my focused research of my product, it was necessary to analyse the problem, context and design brief in further detail. To achieve this,
I decided to devise a table with questions, answers and as an extra there is a column for possible research that I may need to conduct during the next
stage.

Question

Answer

Possible Research

Will a lamp, really, make


you work harder?

It has been a problem for many youngsters, as they feel like there rooms
are too dark, or the lighting is not sufficient enough for work conditions.
Likewise, insufficient lighting can repel away students from studying in
their rooms. So appropriate lighting will encourage young students to
work in their rooms and focus hard on their studies.

Market Research- Ask a range of students to


confirm the specifics of why a lamp or lighting is
important to them and their studies.

What colours would be


appropriate for teenagers?

In this modern era vibrant and bright colours are quite popular in the
market. So are contrasting colours like a mixture of black and white.
Bright colours are really appealing to the target market and can improve
sales.

Product Analysis- I would research a variety of


lamps, and see and compare the colours which
have the highest customer rating and best sales
records. This can be done in M&S, Argos and
Currys websites.

Why dont you buy a cheap


lamp from any retail
store?

I believe that there are no attractive or innovative designs that would


drawn me in to buy them. I think current lamps lack style which are not
up-to-date in the modern society, plus I believe most have unreasonable
prices and are not worth their value for money.

Product Analysis & Market Research- I will


analyse a variety of lamps, and compare and
contrast the least popular to the most popular.
This will give me an idea of which elements of a
lamp is appropriate for the market.

What sort of visual style


would be appropriate for a
modern lamp, ensuring
that it is both appealing
and functional?

Appearance and aesthetics is significant for any product to ensure that it


is commercially feasible. Likewise, functionality is key too. The product
must look appealing to the target market whilst functioning according to
the specification, plus it must be included within the final design.

Product Analysis- During my research I will


examine the highest customer rated products,
and compare their style and innovative features,
likewise I will research current themes that are in
style, which appeal to the market.

What health and safety


measures must be taken
during the design of the
lamp?

Working with electricity is the main danger involving my product., which


could cause severe injuries. Likewise working with glass could be another
concern, as breakages would cause cuts and severe bleeding plus it can
lead to infections.

This aspect will be part of my product analysis


where I will analyse and evaluate the
effectiveness of a range of commercially available
products. Also examining them will allow me to
seek precautions I need to make to make my

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

Mood Board

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Centre No.52423

I primarily shoes this pictures for inspiration. There


are pictures of a lot of lamps, which I believe can
aid me to build a successful product. Mainly the
pictures consist of innovative and original ideas
and designs which I believe suit the modern era,
this will blossom new designs and ideas in my
head and during the initial ideas stages. Likewise,
some of the lamps have particular themes, like
superheroes or Mario. These show the variety of
themes that exist and how it can be cooperated in
a lamp. However, I also chose some dull pictures of
some standard lamps. I chose these, to remind me
of what I am avoiding, because the market is full of
these boring bell-collar lamps, and there needs to
be a change. Also I have included some popular
themes that are highly rated in current generation,

Royal Grammar School

AS

Target Market
Research

Identifying the Target


Market
Before I commence my market research, it was
necessary to consider who I prioritise as my initial
target market. My product will be a lamp with a
modern theme; therefore it will be appropriate for
secondary school students. I have asked my friends
younger siblings, who are studying in secondary
school or have just begun their secondary education.
In addition to that, I have asked a few friends I have
lower down the years in my own school, who fit into
the idea of the young generation and modern target
market. In total there will be 15 members involved in
Questionnaire
my target market. They roughly range from 12-16
years in age, plus there is roughly an equal mix of
males and females. I believe this group will give
I have used
information
fromwill
thebe
previous
problem
sufficient
results,
advice and
appropriate
to my
analysis
section to produce a suitable questionnaire.
design
brief.
I have tried to include questions that will allow to
gather focused and specific information.
1. Do you have any particular preference regarding
style/ appearance?
2. What problems do you currently have involving
lighting?
3. What would make a lamp more favourable to
you?
4. What would a popular and successful lamp
provide?
5. Briefly describe the environment of where you
would store your lamp?
6. What problems have you experienced with
previous lamps
7. How much would you expect to pay for a good
quality lamp?

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Results of
Questionnaire

1. From questioning the target market it was pretty obvious of which themes were
current and popular in the present culture. So I decided to design a chart to represent
these themes.

2. Many of the target market have said that their lighting is very poor, which affects their
eyes while studying at night. Likewise some younger children are in fact afraid of the
dark, which they say can affect their studies as they cannot concentrate on their
education.
3. Some of the clients offered a lot of great advice and what they would like to see in a
lamp. Some said, that it would be better if a lamp could hold items, i.e. CDs or mugs.
However the majority of the people liked the idea of a lamp with clock faces as it
would be a very innovative design idea.
4. Everyone basically agreed on the same answer, that a lamp must provide efficient and
sufficient lighting for a safe and lively working place. Other than the main lighting,
some suggested that a popular lamp would have something unique, either in style,
appearance or even the actual design and layout of the lamp.
5. This was a very typical answer, the majority say that they would store a lamp on their
desks or bedside table, where they feel comfortable to work or where the lighting is
poor and is affecting them.
6. Most of the target market have had previous experiences with other lamps, which they
say are too dull and in fact doesnt fulfil its proper function of providing sufficient
lighting. Another problem that was aroused was that many lamps, are not the most
attractive which can put off the target market from ever purchasing that product.
7. On average the target market have decided to provide a decent price of 20-30.
8. Most believe that a product costing above 30 should last about 5-8 years. This means
that I must use robust materials and suitable joints to achieve this.
9. Many believe that the lamp shouldnt be huge or too small. Many suggested an
appropriate size would be able to fit on a desk, without using up or wasting much

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

What sort of theme would


you prefer for a lamp?
Im really into games, I believe a
popular game theme would
definitely attract me to any product.
I like games like Minecraft, Fifa and
Call of Duty.

Client Interview
Research
What is your preferred design style and how can
I present it into my product?
I love and vibrant colours, especially lime green, which I believe
can be implemented by designing the product with various
themes. Like rainbows, or disco themes or even some games
like Minecraft.

Where will it go? Will it


be portable?

Are there any specific


features that you would
expect a lamp to
incorporate such as
adjustability?

Nothing to big, or too small. I


would suggest that it should fit
on a desk or bedside table,
where it doesnt take up too
much space. Plus I think the
wiring shouldnt be too long as
it could make a mess. If it
were to be battery powered,
How long would you
then it would be amazing, as
portability expect
would be a
nolamp
issue. to last

How much are you


willing to pay?
I believe a hand made
and processed lamp
would be about 25
given that the quality of
the material is fine and
the product is finished to
a high standard, plus it
must fulfil its function
provide some decent
Whatand
would
be your
lighting.

main concerns over a


lamp?

Dangers of electricity may be


aa major issue, as lighting
needs power directly from the
mains. Loose wires can cause
serious injuries and can be
I'm not the greatest fan of having
extremely harmful to young
an adjustable lamp, because I
to ensure its value for
people. I believe this is a
think it can be quite annoying and
money?
serious issue which should be
difficult to keep moving the lamp
If I am paying about 25 for a
dealt with precaution and
head; likewise I think it can
lamp, I would like it to last at
accuracy. Another minor issue
sometimes be quite awkward.
least 2 years, as it will mostly
would be wiring, as this could
However, i think incorporating a
just sit on my desk. Plus I
be hazardous
andand
could trip
I believe
was
a typical
client that would fit my target
market,
clock into the lamp,
woulditbe
my quite important to understand
dont really plan
on changing
someone. Another
concern
ideal product, as
it can multitask.
understand
her opinions on my product.
ASvery
my often,
targetand
audience are teenagers. Therefore,
I asked
a
my lamp
would be long term
wasting money.
close friend of mine, from a local secondary
school, Holly, who is 16 and seemed
like the perfect
maintenance, i.e. regularly
client for my research.
buying and changing bulbs.

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

I thought it was important to understand the


characteristics of various materials as, my
lamp must be durable, robust and quite light
weight, so it is quite portable. Here are my
results-

Workshop Testing
Research

Hardness Testing - Plastics


Plastics are primarily the main source of

material that I have considered, my product


is going to be a lamp. I used a few tests to
consider the hardness of the plastics and if it
will be suitable material. I used a meter long
tube, from which I dropped a centre punch,
through the long tube. I then did this similar
test on Nylon. I used my results to compare
one to the other, to decide which would be
best suited material for my product.
Expanded PVC had the greatest indentation,
so it would not be appropriate for this
product. Plastics are not as hard wearing as
nsile Strength Testing- Plastics and Woods
woods, but they are more aesthetically
pleasing
and
come in many
colours,
ever
A lamp
is not
considered
one of
the lightest
transparentso
forms,
whichnecessary
is required
forcertain
a
equipment's,
it is quite
that
lamp. of the lamp will be subject to torsional
sections
forces such as base. I devised a method to test
materials to measure its tensile strength. I cut
several, plastic and wooden strips, clamped them
to a bench and applied the same weight on each
of the materials ( using G-Cramps). The expanded
PVC stretched the most, break marks were visible,
this showed it had very little tensile strength.
However, Acrylic bent a bit, but not as
significantly as PVC. Also, the woods I used, like
Oak and Plywood did not deform at all this could
be due to the grain direction of the wood, or in
the case of Plywood, the arrangement of the

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Aesthetics, Hardness, Durability- Woods

A lamp should primarily be bought as it appeals to the


target market due to its design and appearance, so I
decided to arrange sever different types of woods
together, and analyse which one looks the most
attractive and what would be the most appropriate.
Similarly, a lamp should last about 2 years, this gave me
an idea to check the durability of the woods. So I placed
pieces of Walnut, Pine, Beech and Oak in a bowl of
water, as this would test how they react with weather
conditions i.e. dampness. I found that Walnut would be
most useful for outdoor products as it is quite dense, so
no use for a lamp. However, has quite a low density, so
it is quite lightweight and can be easily carried around,
which can help a lamp be portable. However, after one
day of leaving the woods submerged pine, had
completely sunk, so it is not so resistant to harsh
weathers. Comparing to plastics I did a similar test on
the woods, to check their hardness. For this I tested
Malleability Testing- Walnut,
Metals Ash Beech and Pine. I also did a scratch test,
which gave me results showing which woods were hard,
Metals could
be had
quite
useful,
a suitableinand
base,The
or for
as they
the
least for
indentation
therobust
scratches.
creatingorder
an intricate
shape.
The
properties
were
malleability,
was Walnut
and
Beech
as theneed
hardest
two
woods.
so I tested
this on metals
by hammering
strip or
coilwearing,
of metal,
Compared
to plastics
woods wereamore
hard
this showed
howbe
easy
it was
to change
shape
of theknocks
metal,
and can
quite
useful
against the
heavy
objects,
thus how
malleable
and
bumps it was. When I inspected each of the pieces, I
checked for cracks on the inside and outside. Crack found on the
underneath would indicate poor malleability. Contrastingly cracks
on the outside would reveal poor ductility. Also density was tested
too, as it is required for a lamp to be portable and lightweight.
Aluminium came out to be a very suitable material, as it came out
to be the most ductile, and has a low density, likewise has a high
strength to weight ratio too.

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

Product Analysis
Describe
This is a very unique and vibrant lamp. The lamp itself is shaped like a mushroom, which seems to have been made from HIPs and formed by
blow moulding or vacuumed formed each individual piece, so is a mass produced product. The individual sections would have been fixed
together on a assembly line. Although it is not possible to blow mould in school, its possible to vacuum form, and I may be able to use some of
the sections that have been in fact vacuum formed. It also has a sturdy base, possible made from injection moulded PP.
Analyse
This product is seems portable, and lightweight as it is made from plastics, like HIPs or Acrylic, which are quite lightweight. Likewise, the product
seems electrically safe, as there are no wires involved as it seems to be battery operated. Likewise, it is very vibrant in colours so it should
appeal to the modern era. Likewise, it has a stable base, which means the lamp would give appropriate lighting and stand upright.
Feasibility
This product will be difficult to make using school mechanisms, but changes have to be made so that it is appropriate. The base can be made
from a dark wood, like Walnut, which can be cut into a circle using a hegnar saw. Similarly, the top could be made from vacuum forming using
Describe
vibrant
coloured
HIPS. plastic, like black acrylic or PP, therefore this is a mass produced product. I think it is
This unique lamp seems to be made
from
dark coloured
made from PP as it is tough, high impact resistant and fairly lightweight. There are evidences within the image that there have been some
process used like line bending. There are slots and slits on the sides of the lamp box, which allow for light to illuminate the room, but not any
typical way, but instead give of a fancy patterned glow. It has a black theme, so that the main body is opaque and no light can be seen through
it, concealing the bulb, which is safe and out of reach from little children or pets.
Analyse
This lamp too has a unique design, but this one is rather dull in colour. This focuses mainly on the lighting and the pattern of lighting produced,
which will probably suit the elder part of the target market. The box initially seems very lightweight and seems to be robust enough to sustain
repeated knock and bumps. The lamp is designed to be hung high on the walls, which keep children away from danger. This toy addresses some
of the elements within my design brief.
Feasibility
This product seem to be quite simple to make within our school workshops, but a few modification may be needed. The main carcass can be
Describe
made using acrylic and line bending
it, or using the laser cutter for the slot holes for the lighting to pass through. Likewise, I could smooth out
This design
seems
very
intriguing, as it shows new mechanics that I could use in my product. There are hinges attached to the lamp curtain
the edges and chamfer them, so children
are not
at any
risks.
which can be opened which provides a high intensity light. The curtains seem to be made from a cloth type material. Similarly, the base and the
stand seem to have been made by metals, such as aluminium as there is a shine, aluminium is quite soft so it is fairly malleable, and can be
made into the disc shape of the base. The product seem to have been mass produced with individual pieces.
Analyse
The added feature of the lamp curtains opening show match my design brief as it shows that it will sustain in to modern society as this shows it
can multitask. The product may be heavy as to proportions, more than half the weight is metal. However, aluminium is still a fairly light metal,
likewise it is tough and has a good weight to strength ratio so it can withstand tear. The opening curtain, could attract children and pets towards
this electrical appliance, which could be fairly hazardous to little children and their health.
Feasibility
The making of this product within the workshop is certainly possible, but some material modifications may be necessary. The curtains could be
easily made from vacuum forming, similarly, it can be made by using a jig and flex-ply, which will add texture to the design. The stand can be
made aluminium rods, and the base can be altered to be made using the laser cutter, to keep it lightweight and portable.

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

Product Analysis
Describe
From first sight the lamp seems to have been made from vacuumed formed HIPS , PP and clear acrylic. It is fairly obvious like the others, that this
product has individual pieces mass produced, and then attached using adhesives like epoxy resin specifically for plastics.
Analyse
This lamp has a very innovative idea, which strikes the eye at first glance. The storage of the wires underneath the lamp, gives me ideas and is
helpful and compliments my design brief. The idea of storing the cable inside, prevents the wire from breaking, keeping it sustainable, and likewise it
is also a safety precaution, so children dont trip on them. Similarly, the lamp is made from bright red plastic which seems quite appealing to the
target market. Due the uses of mainly plastics, this product seems to be quite lightweight and can be carried easily, verifying it as portable. Also the
base has a large surface area, so provides a stable base.
Feasibility
There is a very simple design to this product, and some of which I may use in my own. Initially making this in the work shop would be no problem. As
the curtain can be made from line bending acrylic, or vacuum forming and the same goes for the base.
Describe
Initial thoughts say that the lamp is a mass batch product made from PP or HIPS, via blow moulding as it is hollow in the middle. Including that the
base seems to be made from a metal disc, mostly likely to be aluminium due to the shine. The lamp has some bright colours which is quite attractive
to the market.
Analyse
This I quite a unique design, as it shows a typical traditional lamp, split which is now used for storage of a book. This gives a modern theme to the
lamp and can be associated with my design brief. This new innovative ideas can attract more consumers. Similarly the use of plastics make it
portable and lightweight, so there is no danger of dropping it. Similarly, PP is tough and durable and can withstand deforming. The book storage in
the middle is a very clever storage which could be incorporated in my design as it is very unique. Likewise the metal disc provides a sturdy and
stable base.
Feasibility
This wouldnt be the ideal product to make within our workshop, as blow moulding is not available here. However, some alterations can be made, ie
making the initial lamp carcass by vacuum forming clear HIPS which would allow light to pass through. Similarly the base could be made using the
Describe
laser cutter, creating a disc from a dark wood like Walnut of Mahogany.
This lamp indeed seem to be made from blow moulding PP. This is a fairly complex shape, with a knurled aluminium cylinder on top. There is also a
clock near the base which is a digital clock.
Analyse
This idea is very original, and should be very appealing to the target market for its innovative design. It also has a large surface area at the base for
stability, and the top is fairly thin and light so it doesnt collapse. The theme is obviously based of a typical lightbulb. The product seems quite small
and fairly light weight and should be easily portable. Plus it seems to be battery operated so no need for electrical precautions.
Feasibility
This design would in fact be very impossible to make in out workshop, as we do not have the mechanics for blow moulding. However, I chose this
product not for the lamp, but due to the idea of a clock being incorporated into a lamp. This give me ideas which I can develop and build into my
own design. This gives me ideas of the themes and appearances that would best suit a lamp and a clock.

Manazir Najib

Candidate No.2425

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

Anthropometrics

Associated Product
Research

I also looked at anthropometric data of a teenage


hand in further developing the sizes of the stand,
switch and any other components.
I found that the average dimensions are as follows:

Span across back of hand: 110mm


Length of index finger: 90mm
Thickness of index finger : 20mm
Length of thumb: 60mm
Thickness of thumb: 22mm

From my analysis of a typical teenage hand I will be


able to ensure the dimensions I require for the stand,
curtains and the switch of my lamp.

Stands

Since I am making a lamp, I think it is essential to


take the measurements of the lightbulbs that would
be used in the lamp to provide the lighting. I picked
the out the most commonly used lightbulbs used
widely across the UK, similarly I have taken the
dimensions of these so that I can ensure and
precisely design my product so ease of access if a
principle value, as it is often necessary to change the
light bulb. However I may have to buy the bulb and
the lamp part myself, as it is quite a specific piece I
need.

Manazir
Candidate
No.2425
I picked outNajib
the most commonly
used bulb heads,
which vary from 26mm to 27mm, this gives me

Stands

I researched the market and found a range of stands and styles I could use and would be
ideal for my lamp which will suit my design brief. I have asked a few members of the
target market and the majority prefer the brass coiled stand, as it is quite unique and
attractive. The other favourites were aluminium and wooden stands.

Aluminum Stands

This thick aluminium rod seem to be quite common


in the markets that I have researched which shows
that this is quite popular, so I may be able to use
this. I can work on it on the centre lathe machine,
then I would tap and thread it and attach various
Wooden
Stands
sections together.
This wooden stand, seem to be quite attractive and
using close grained hardwood i.e. Ash or Beech, I
would wood turn it, and produce a suitable yet quite
an attractive design and style of stand that would
appeal to the target market. During the final stage I
can also dye the wood using wood stain, or I may
just apply
a finish
like wax or varnish.
Brass
Coiled
Stands
The coiled brass/copper stand was by far the most
popular amongst the group, as this is a very unique
idea and looks very attractive and catches the eye
of the target market instantly. I may not be able to
use brass, but I can use aluminium or mild carbon
steel and soften it by annealing, then in can coil it
around to create the spiral shape.

Centre No.52423

Royal Grammar School

AS

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