Rad by Siriphong R. from uk

Light, a nature’s wonder that we take for granted. As long as we can see, we would not aware of its presence. However, light dictates us at unimaginable level. It controls our metabolism and maintain our body clock. It guides our eyes, focus and attention. Unconsciously and consistently, we orient ourself to the surrounding light, both physically and psychologically. Rad is a lamp that explore the different way to sense light and offer an opportunity to rediscover the wonder of light.

Visual is our dominant sense but it is not the best way to sense light. Our eyes are drawn automatically to the objects lit by light rather than the beauty of the light itself. Rad approach the user differently. Rad equipped with infrared bulb, normally uses in heat lamp, user’s attention is attracted by the sense of warmth. With curiosity, the user will start to aware that this is not a normal light and would notice the pattern of light intersection on the surface. The warmness will vary depend on how many light paths has intersected. The intersection of four light paths will be the warmest, then the three, the two and the only one without intersecting other path. Moving around in this light pattern, the user can sense lights by not a visual, but the physical sensation.

The shade itself was design with flowing silhouette to draw the eyes to the bottom where the bulbs emit. Light endlessly bounce inside the cone create light saturation effect. The reflective shade helps the lamp blend in with its environment. One lamp unit consists of two parts: the top contain bulb socket and the bottom is the shade and the bulb holder itself. Rad come with spare shades to hold the spare regular light bulbs for summer when infrared light is no longer used. The shade will help protect the bulb when in storage and make changing bulb experiences better. Rad can be configured with different color bulb. This help create an opportunity for the user to realise that his or her eyes are adjusted to white balance automatically.

Rad is design to represent Lexus experiences. For me, I think Lexus experiences is a journey of discovery. Start with visual that draws attention through curiosity and the form that guides users through each function and feature. The more you observe, the more you discover how things were designed and made, how much attention has been paid and how much makers care for the users. I designed Rad to create a scenario where there is an opportunity to discover through sensation journey. Spiritually, Rad is designed to challenge pre-conception and discover wonders in simplicity. To gain mindfulness and deep joy.

In term of practical use. I think it is a big opportunity and whole new design language if we consider light and heat together. How can light guide the passenger to sit in the correct position in the car? How can light create human interaction with in the building interior? How does outdoor heat lamp comfort and welcome our customer? This is the great opportunity for experiment and innovation.