Waterlight: A Unique Desktop Lamp Inspired by Water Faucets

Bringing a New Level of Interaction to Lighting

Waterlight stands out from other lamps with its innovative design and functionality. The control bar on the lamp can be turned up and down to adjust the intensity of brightness, while turning it from left to right modifies the temperature of the light. This intuitive control mechanism provides users with a tactile and engaging experience, reminiscent of adjusting the volume and temperature of water.

The lamp's unique properties lie in its ability to create a seamless connection between the user's actions and the resulting changes in light. By incorporating potentiometers inside the lamp's head, the designers have ensured that the control bar directly influences the voltage of the electricity, allowing for precise adjustments in brightness and temperature.

Waterlight is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The lamp is equipped with LED cells on a base, providing efficient and long-lasting light. For charging, the bottom lid is integrated with a circuit for wireless charging. Simply place the lamp on the independent wireless charger connected to plugs with a wire, and it will be ready to use. This portability allows users to easily move the lamp from one room to another, providing light wherever it is needed.

The materials used in Waterlight further enhance its elegance and durability. The head is made of high-quality bronze, giving it a timeless and sophisticated look. The top lid is crafted from natural marble, adding a touch of luxury. The outer shell is made of glass, allowing the light to shine through and creating a beautiful visual effect.

Waterlight's dimensions are 80mm in width, 80mm in depth, and 300mm in height. The potentiometer, which serves as the bridge between the user's actions and the lamp's effects, is the key technical component of the design. It modifies the input voltage, controlled by the user through the control bar, to change the brightness and temperature of the lamp.

The Waterlight project started in October 2019 and was completed in January 2020 in Milan. The design team, consisting of Jiahua Zhang, Nitesh Reddy, and Kejun Li, conducted extensive research to bring this innovative lamp to life. They created five versions of 1:1 scale prototypes to refine the shape, ensure the functionality of the potentiometer, and develop the manufacturing process for the marble components.

The design process was not without its challenges. The designers faced the task of creating a functional potentiometer and circuit that would accurately translate the user's control actions into the desired changes in brightness and temperature. After numerous iterations, they achieved the perfect balance, resulting in a lamp that provides a satisfying control experience.

Waterlight has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate excellence in art, science, design, and technology. Waterlight's strong technical and creative skills, along with its contribution to improving the quality of life, have made it a deserving recipient of this accolade.

Waterlight is not just a lamp; it is a testament to the power of innovative design and the ability to create meaningful interactions between humans and products. With its unique control mechanism inspired by water faucets, this desktop lamp brings a new level of engagement and enjoyment to the world of lighting.