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OcuLume

Design a battery-powered lamp that minimizes eye strain and enhances the gaming environment through improved lighting and mood support.

PROBLEM

Digital use is a leading cause of eye strain, with over 60% of Americans reporting symptoms.  (NVISON)

CAUSES OF EYE STRAIN:

Driving Long Distances

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Continuous Reading

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Digital
Device Use

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Exposure to
Bright Light

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Underlying Eye Problems

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Straining to See
in the Dark

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Stress and
Fatigue

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HOW MIGHT WE

How might we design a lamp that reduces eye strain for gamers during extended screen time while enhancing their gaming experience?

RESEARCH

GAMING DURATION SURVEY

I surveyed 50 gamers between the ages 12-50 and found that most play 1-2 hours or over 4 hours per gaming session.

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8% <1 Hour

40% 1-2 Hours

22% 2-4 Hours

30% > 4 Hours

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USER INTERVIEWS

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Generations Observed

Gen Alpha • Gen Z • Gen X

Avg Session Length

2+ Hours

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Common Environments

Dark or Dimly Lit Rooms

GEN ALPHA 

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  • Device: iPad, Computer

  • Session Length: 1-2 Hours

  • Discomfort: Dry eyes, Headache

  • Relief: Rubs eyes

  • Interest: Prevent Dryness and Watering

GEN Z

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  • Device: Computer

  • Session Length: 4 Hours

  • Discomfort: Blurry, Tired Eyes

  • Relief: Taking Breaks

  • Interest: Compact light

GEN X

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  • Device: PlayStation (TV)

  • Session Length: 1-2 Hours

  • Discomfort: Dry eyes, Headache

  • Relief: Rubs eyes

  • Interest: Prevent Dryness and Watering

SHARED PATTERN ACROSS USERS

Eye discomfort is common after extended play and the idea of a dedicated gaming light is an area of interest.

DESIGNING FOR VISUAL COMFORT

Adjusting screen brightness to 200-300 nits, paired with soft blue and green lighting reduces contrast, supports alertness, and improves visual comfort.

Studies show moderate luminance improves visual comfort and mood.
 

Sensitivity varies with age, eye conditions, and screen habits.

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Light Blue: Peace and Gentleness

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Greens: Growth and Nature

Soft Blue Light

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  • Supports alertness & circadian rhythms.

  • Activates retinal photoreceptors for energy and focus.

  • Colored plastic or diffusion minimize eye strain.

Green Light

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  • Reduces headaches and sensitivity to brightness.

  • Calms the retina and reduces discomfort.

  • More soothing than red, offering better circadian benefits.

GAMING SETUP TRENDS

User images from online forums and Facebook groups show widespread dual-screen use, contributing to eye strain, alongside recurring aesthetic styles.

DUAL-SCREENS

75% of dual-screen users…

Experience eye strain as opposed to

53% of single-screen users. (TimeMagazine)

53% of Americans...

Report using 2 devices simultaneously. (NVISON)

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SHARP

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INNOVATIVE

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FUTURISTIC

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GEOMETRIC

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MARKET LANDSCAPE & DESIGN CRITERIA 

Analysis of hundreds of Amazon reviews revealed gaps in current gaming desk lamps.

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Must Have

Desk Friendly

Durable

Intuitive Controls

High-Quality Lighting

Battery Powdered

Innovations

Eye Comfort

Convenient Power Placement

Gaming Aesthetic 

Nice to Have

Dual Colors

SKETCHING

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IDEATION

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PROTOTYPING

3D EXPLORATION

Testing various shapes and forms using low and medium-fidelity 3D models to evaluate design effectiveness.

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  • Too large

  • Adjust the button to align with the overall aesthetics

  • Adjust the light diffuser angles for optimal illumination

  • Size is good as is

  • Determine a method to securely hold internals

  • Add additional decorative elements to the front

HIGH-FIDELITY MODEL

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SNAP FITS

-Fully functioning

ROTARY

BUTTON SLOT

DUAL COLOR

-Fully functioning

HIGH-FIDELITY ANALYSIS

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A LITTLE BIT

TOO TIGHT

(shorten edges)

SPRAY PAINT RIMS BLUE + GREEN, SEPERATE

ATTACH HEAT SHRINKS

SHORTEN TO BASE

SEPERATE

+ SPRAY

PAINT GRAY

SPRAY PAINT BLACK

SAND

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Awkward Form

-Unconventional shape

Too Crystal-Like

-Excessive reflectiveness

Lantern-Like Light

-Lantern-like illumination

Exploring Lighting

-Assessing lighting options

Fully Functional

-Working cad model

CAD MODELING

MATERIALITY

Upon looking at materials, ABS stood out for its strength, precision, resistance to impact, and temperature changes.

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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

  • Impact resistance

  • Strength and stiffness

  • Versatility

  • Chemical resistance

  • Electrical insulation

  • Surface finish

Polypropylene (PP)

  • Lightweight

  • Low moisture absorption

  • Good mechanical strength

  • Excellent electrical insulation

  • Cost effective

  • Color options

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Acrylic

  • Durable

  • Translucent

  • 30x as strong as glass

  • 2x lighter than glass

DESIGN SOLUTION

EXPLODED VIEW

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RIMS

DECORATIVE PIECE

DIFFUSER

RGB LED

ROTARY SWITCH

DECORATIVE PIECE

BASE

3V AA BATTERIES

BATTERY COVER

RENDERS

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FINAL PROTOTYPE

Prototype of the lamp featuring a functional LED light and a rotary button.

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FINAL PROTOTYPE

Dual Color Settings

  • Switch between blue and green lighting.

  • Easily adjust to match your mood or space.

Rotary Switch

  • Smooth, intuitive control to change color with a simple turn.

Eye Strain Reduction

  • Minimizes eye strain for long gaming sessions.

  • Soft, diffused light reduces glare.

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