03 — 2025.11.6 — 2025.12.19
Light Up SDGs
Symbolic Lighting Object
01 — Inquiry
SDG 4 focuses on quality education as a fundamental right. Research explored how education creates lasting societal impact, and how light has been used metaphorically across cultures — enlightenment, guidance, awakening. The open book, tree, and light glow were chosen as central symbols to represent how education allows individuals to grow, flourish, and access opportunity.
02 — Ideation
Four concepts were developed before committing to a final direction. Concept 1 was a flat acrylic panel with an SDG icon grid — clear but lacking narrative. Concept 2 was a globe-shaped lamp — visually striking but mechanically complex. Concept 3 was an open book with a simple linear tree — promising but too minimal. Concept 4 (final): an open book wooden base with a door-shaped acrylic panel etched with a full tree-core pattern — roots at base, trunk in centre, branches extending upward, LED strip hidden in a slot cut into the wooden base.
03 — Prototyping
Manufacturing involved seventeen steps across five stages: wood cutting (95 min), laser cutting (50 min), vacuum forming (10 min), soldering (45 min), and final assembly (25 min). A key challenge was the slot for the acrylic panel being 0.5 cm too short, requiring recutting with more precise tools. Soldering required patience and steady hands working with fine wires, heat shrink tubing, and a soldering iron simultaneously.
04 — Evaluation
User testing via an online survey with 20 respondents showed over 80% correctly identified the education theme. Safety testing passed with no sharp edges or overheating. 80% said they would consider purchasing the product. Average aesthetic rating was 3.85/5, slightly below the 4.0 target. Key improvements identified include stronger fixings (screws or epoxy rather than hot glue), more foam detail, and extending the acrylic design so tree branches reach the top edge of the panel.
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