Lamp Design Challenge
Advanced Tech Design
In this Lamp Design Challenge, you will design and prototype a lamp that demonstrates clear design intent, strong craftsmanship, and a full use of the Design Thinking process: Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test, and Iterate.
Your task is to:
- Apply the Design Thinking process to a real-world design problem
- Model light bulb and socket to be incorporated into design
- Create an accurate 3D CAD model of your design using Fusion 360
- Produce realistic renderings to communicate design intent
- Build and refine final full-scale prototype
- Document decision-making and progress consistently on your blog page
You will create a CAD model of the lamp, low-resolution prototypes to test form and function, a final working prototype fabricated using digital tools, realistic renderings in Fusion 360, and a documented design process on your class blog.
Project Rubric
| Criteria | Exemplary | Proficient | Developing | Emerging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Thinking Process | Fully engages in all stages: Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test, and Iterate. Shows clear evolution of ideas and responsiveness to feedback. | Engages in most stages with evidence of iteration and some responsiveness to feedback. | Limited engagement with stages, minimal evidence of iteration. | Little or no engagement with process stages, no iteration. |
| Creativity & Originality | Design demonstrates strong originality, inventive use of form, and a clear personal voice. | Design shows originality with some inventive elements. | Design relies on common forms with limited originality. | Design lacks originality and personal engagement. |
| CAD Modeling | CAD model is accurate, complete, and demonstrates strong control of software tools. Parts fit together logically and align with design intent. | CAD model is mostly complete with minor errors or missing details. | CAD model is incomplete or shows significant errors in design accuracy. | CAD model is very limited or missing. |
| Renderings | Renderings are realistic, well-lit, and effectively communicate material, scale, and design intent from multiple views. | Renderings communicate design clearly but may lack polish or detail. | Renderings are present but do not clearly convey design intent. | Renderings are missing or ineffective. |
| Craftsmanship & Prototyping | Final prototype is carefully built with excellent craftsmanship, finish, and attention to detail. Functional and refined. | Prototype is well built with minor flaws in craftsmanship or finish. Functional but may lack refinement. | Prototype is functional but shows weak craftsmanship and unfinished details. | Prototype incomplete, poorly constructed, or non-functional. |
Define Mode: Define the challenge you are taking on, based on what you have learned about your user and the context. Narrow the focus of the project and specifically state the problem you are addressing. Craft a meaningful and actionable problem statement.
Student Example – Modeling the Socket and Bulb
Accurate 3D model of the light bulb and socket used as a reference model.
Reference sketch of light bulb and socket dimensions used to create an accurate reference model.
“Today for class, I modeled the lightbulb with the class so that I can import it into my actual design to use as reference. We also discussed the requirements for the upcoming project: a fully functional lamp design, the bulb can be changed, etc.”
Why this works: Modeling the electrical components first and bringing the reference model into the design early establishes accurate dimensions and constraints that guide the entire process. Creating CAD models of the socket and bulb at the start ensures that later design decisions—such as scale, proportion, and assembly—are grounded in functional requirements. These components serve as reference points throughout development, keeping the design both practical and well-integrated.
Your Tasks:
- Write a problem statement: identify the user, context, and design challenge
- Model the lamp socket and bulb in Fusion 360
- Consider target user and use context (reading lamp, ambient lighting, task lighting, etc.)
- Research existing lamp solutions
- Define specific design constraints and requirements
Generate multiple concept solutions based on your defined problem statement.
“Go Wide” Early in a design project, ideation is about pushing for the widest possible range of ideas from which to select, not simply finding the single best solution.
Student Example – Ideation Sketches
Multiple concept sketches exploring different lamp forms and functions
Why this works: This student demonstrates the “Go Wide” approach by exploring multiple lamp concepts on a single page. Notice the variety in form factors—from traditional table lamps to pendant lights to more experimental designs. Each sketch is quick but clear enough to communicate the core concept, showing different approaches to solving the same lighting challenge. This breadth of exploration provides a strong foundation for selecting and developing the most promising direction.
Your Tasks:
- Brainstorm by generating concept sketches. On an 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper, sketch as many ideas for a lamp design as you can (minimum of 4 sketches).
- Explore different form factors and aesthetic approaches
- Consider various lighting types and user interactions
- Evaluate concepts against your problem statement
Develop the final design further on paper, then begin creating a 3D computer model in Fusion.
Student Example – Design Development
Detailed development drawings with annotations
Full-scale drawing helps establish accurate scale and proportions, ensuring the lamp’s parts relate realistically before moving into CAD or fabrication.
“I chose the design of my lamp that I am going to model and fabricate: a traditional Turtle Ship. It incorporates very complex details such as the spikes on the top, as well as the dragon head on the front of the ship. There is a light bulb in between the sails. I also made a low-resolution scaled drawing to find out that my rod for the bulb would probably have to be a little longer than expected. I will start the modeling process for homework.”
Why this works: This student demonstrates thoughtful design development by selecting a specific, culturally meaningful concept and working through the technical challenges. Notice how they’ve identified specific details (spikes, dragon head) and discovered practical considerations (bulb rod length) through scale drawing. This shows the iterative problem-solving that happens when transitioning from ideation to detailed development, where aesthetic vision meets functional requirements.
Your Tasks:
- Select your strongest concept from the ideation phase
- Create detailed sketches with dimensions and annotations
- Create a full-scale sketch on brown paper to evaluate proportions and refine details
- Consider materials, joinery, and assembly methods
- Incorporate the socket and bulb models from the Define phase
Transform your developed design into a precise 3D CAD model using Fusion 360.
Remember: Insert the reference model of the light bulb and socket early in your modeling process to ensure accurate proportions and fit.
Student Example – 3D CAD Modeling Process
Initial 3D modeling setup
Developing base components
Adding detailed features
Complete 3D model with components
Why this works: This sequence demonstrates the systematic approach to 3D modeling, starting with basic forms and progressively adding detail and complexity. Notice how the student builds the model methodically, establishing the overall structure before refining specific features. This iterative approach ensures accuracy and allows for testing proportions and relationships between components throughout the modeling process.
Your Tasks:
- Begin 3D modeling your final design in Fusion 360
- Import reference socket and bulb model early in the process
- Focus on accurate dimensions and proportions
- Model all major components and their relationships
- Consider fabrication constraints in your modeling approach
Build and refine final full-scale prototype
Student Example – Prototype Fabrication Process
Material preparation and cutting
Assembly and joining components
Electrical wiring and connections
Testing functionality and fit
Final assembly and finishing
Why this works: This sequence demonstrates the systematic approach to prototype fabrication, moving from material preparation through assembly to final testing. Notice how the student progresses methodically through each stage, ensuring proper fit and function before moving to the next step. The electrical testing phase is crucial for safety and functionality before final assembly and finishing touches.
Your Tasks:
- Using a variety of materials, create a prototype that represents your lamp design
- From your 3D computer model, export the necessary DXF files for laser cutting
- Incorporate at least one 3D-printed part into your prototype
- Test the functionality of the light and on/off switch before final assembly
- Check light bulb clearances to ensure fire safety
Build your final prototype and create professional renderings.
⚠️ Electrical Safety
- All wiring must be inspected and approved before testing
- Use appropriate materials for heat dissipation
- Follow proper electrical connection protocols
Your Tasks:
- Build your final prototype using shop tools and digital fabrication equipment
- Create realistic Fusion 360 renderings showing the lamp in use (multiple views, lighting applied)
- Refine details for function, fit, and finish
- Test electrical connections safely
Complete your project with comprehensive documentation and thoughtful analysis.
Final Deliverables:
- Final working prototype with safe electrical connections
- Fusion 360 CAD file and realistic renderings (minimum 3 views)
- Documentation of the Design Thinking process (minimum 17 blog images across 3 weeks)
- Written reflection including:
- Problem statement and how it evolved
- Key feedback received and changes made
- Material and fabrication choices with rationale
- Next steps if more time or resources were available
Student Checklist
Technical Requirements
- Size Constraints: Lamp must fit within a 12″ x 12″ x 18″ envelope
- Electrical Safety: All wiring must be inspected and approved before testing
- Material Considerations: Choose materials appropriate for heat dissipation and durability
- Functionality: Lamp must have a working on/off mechanism
- CAD Requirements: Complete model including socket, bulb, and all components
- Rendering Standards: Minimum 3 views with realistic materials and lighting
Resources & Safety
- Shop Safety: Review all tool safety protocols before beginning fabrication
- Electrical Safety: Consult instructor before making any electrical connections
- CAD Resources: Fusion 360 tutorials and help documentation available on class website
- Material Library: Available materials list and properties guide posted online
