Froggie: A Playful Desk Lamp Inspired by Amphibians

A Unique Design by Yongwook Seong

Froggie, designed by Yongwook Seong, is a table lamp that draws inspiration from the fascinating world of amphibians. Specifically, it takes inspiration from the "double life" of frogs, which seamlessly transition between land and water. Frogs have permeable skin that allows them to breathe through it while in water, and they also have nostrils that enable them to breathe above the water surface or on land.

What sets Froggie apart from other desk lamps is its unique representation of a rising frog. The eyes of the frog are represented as lighting sources, while the exposed body above water serves as the lamp's base. This design choice creates a whimsical and playful aesthetic that adds a touch of creativity to any space.

Froggie's eyes are made to be bendable, allowing users to adjust their positions and create various lighting effects. Each nostril of the frog serves as a touch sensor button, enabling users to easily turn the lights on and off. This interactive feature adds an element of fun and engagement to the lamp.

The dimensions of Froggie are 256 mm in width, 165 mm in depth, and a maximum height of 310 mm. It is important to note that sizes may vary slightly due to the handmade nature of the lamp.

The design process for Froggie began in January 2021 and was completed in the same month in Banff, Canada. Throughout the project, the designer focused on exploring biomimicry in design, aiming to translate the unique characteristics of amphibians into a lighting design language.

One of the main challenges faced during the creation of Froggie was determining the proper representations for each design element. The designer had to carefully consider the proportions of the eyes in relation to the body and how much of the body should be exposed compared to the submerged part. The result is a visually striking lamp that effectively captures the essence of a frog rising above water.

Froggie has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life. Froggie's incorporation of art, science, design, and technology showcases the designer's strong technical and creative skills.

Froggie is not just a desk lamp; it is a unique piece of functional art that adds a playful touch to any space. With its adjustable eye shapes and interactive features, it invites users to explore their creativity and create their own lighting effects. Embodying the spirit of amphibians, Froggie is a testament to the power of biomimicry in design.