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2025
What I DidColor Analysis, Color Theory, Product Development, Material Research, Prototyping, Woodworking, Lighting Design, Color, Form, Spatial Thinking, Fabrication, 3D Rendering, Technical Drawing
Product Designer, Industrial Design
The Purpose
The concept brief for this project was to develop a prototype inspired by nature.
The ThinkingWith an interest in light and color, I researched forms of nature that integrated the two and that might be influenced by light reflection and diffusion. The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone became my subject. Over the course of 3 months I researched the kaleidoscopic natural phenomenon, conducted a thorough color analysis, experimented with materials, and developed a prototype lamp that is sculptural, modern, and attempts to replicate the experience that the Grand Prismatic Spring provides through its colorful water.
The Outcome
The Grand Prismatic Spring has a large and vibrant color palette. Though I haven’t visited, I’m told that its kaleidoscopic waters are jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring. My goal was to achieve something that would “surprise” and capture the beauty of the colorful waters. I focused on working with materials that light could pass through as well as complementary materials. Wood, clay, metals, etc. The natural phenomenon plays with texture in such a seamless way that my prototype also needed to play with materials and texture. I developed several drawings and material prototypes using resin and dyes. I worked to achieve a kaledioscope effect with the dyes.
I created a variety of prisms that when held to light produced an effect that captured the beauty and awe of the Grand Prismatic Spring. I built a lighting structure that was remote operated and allowed for different prisms to be swapped in and out and used an LED light with different temperature light which alters the color of the light. You can see this in the video below. The minimalist prototype design is made from oak wood, aluminum, resin, and acrylic. Final documentation coming soon.
This prototype was developed under the mentorship of Professor Esther Beke.