Continuing in our iterative design process, we tried a few different methods of actually being able to create the design that we had planned. Our sketches and ideas would mean nothing if we couldn’t manifest them into a physical prototype.

The interaction of folding and collapsing that we chose made us explore a multitude of different and creative solutions to try and achieve our vision. It turned out to be a little more difficult than expected.

We were able to find inspiration from paper folding patters, and were also able to create a folded paper form that we were satisfied with.

The next and biggest challenge was to create a mechanism for the lamp to collapse and return back to it’s normal position. We attempted looking for springs, latching mechanisms, existing folding lantern mechanisms, laundry hamper mechanisms, and eventually we tried to create our own spring.

Eventually we were able to create a prototype that functioned in the way that we intended – however, the physical attributes and aesthetic of the model was not how we had envisioned.

So, we created another prototype which showed our intended physical design.

The next step was to somehow combine the function of the first model with the form of the second model.