The replica
In our designated teams, we were instructed to analyse and explore the shape and function of the Tizio lamp – and reconstruct it with basic, easy to use materials such as card and foam board.
Throughout the build, me and my team came across many obstacles of creating a 1:1 scale replica – no more so than the matching of weight distribution on the end of each arm. To counterbalance the opposing ends, we decided to incorporate stones in the internal areas so that not only would the arms be more evenly weighted, but so that it would not be possible for the stones too be seen.
In the end, we managed to create a lamp that is both aesthetically and ergonomically alike the Tizio lamp. After self-evaluation though, I found that it may have been a better idea to explore the use of more foam board as it is less likely to bend than the cardboard.
The redesign
Next, we were then instructed to take what we had learned from the replication task and use it as inspiration.
I had to now work independently, using anything that i found interesting about the lamp to design my own product. At first, I began to investigate the function of the Tizio, in particular the cantilever arms. I was interested in the way weight could be used to move and adapt the form of the product – edging me to look towards automatic machinery that could aid areas such as plant watering, theme park rides and focal-point installations.
After thorough research, I found that where the cantilever function could be beneficial, there were already a vast number of products that had used it – veering me away from doing something that someone else had already done.
a change in focus
Changing my focus towards the construction-like framework of the Tizio lamp, i began looking into ways I could incorporate the same forms into other vehicles of design – specifically, play park installations. This led me to experiment and develop swing-sets, climbing frames and areas of communication, trying to find which one would suite the framework best.
Trying to pick between both climbing frame and swing lead me to try and combine both, shooting two birds with one stone. I played around with using the framework of the swing as a climbing frame but found that the hinge for the swing ropes caused a danger hazard for the climbers. I decided that as this was only a short project, i should refine my design to only a swing – giving me more time to focus on the actual form and logistics of the design. I used the frame from the Tizio lamp as inspiration and began to generate ideas on how the swing could look.
After refining my measurements and beginning to realize that i was satisfied with my design, I began to investigate ways that I could make my prototype look as resolved and presentable as possible. To do this i used a cardboard base with green felt laid on top to convey the idea that the swing is situated in a natural, welcoming area.
To finish my prototype, I included a bench between the framework so that the swing is a more communal area instead of being solely for one person to use at a time. The bench was originally a standard flat form, though after reassessing the Tizio lamp, I changed it to a curved shape to match the curved ends on each arm.
The Resolution
I enjoy creating graphics for a design that is some-what finished to show the progress and the more completed state it is in.
For this project, my aim was to create a prototype of my design inspired by the Tizio lamp – so the graphic I have produced is not final, though it has an inviting and fun style. I chose to use a ‘childish’ style as the swing would typically be targeted towards children, so the graphic implies that the swing is suitable for that specific age group.
