Magnetic Reading Light

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Overview

The Magnetic Reading Light reimagines a simple product, a reading light, and the ways in which it can be improved.

Scope

An eight week project with the goal of designing a personal lighting device based on a real demographic.

Role

Researcher
Interviewer
Product Designer

Fusion360

Date

Mar - Apr 2023

Tools

Background

I was tasked with designing a personal lighting device. I choose to investigate what can be done with a reading light.

Some tidbits of my thoughts

I considered many different personal lighting devices, but chose a reading light because I felt that I could explore ways to improve them.

Research

I sent out a survey to some friends to help me get a better sense of other peoples reading experiences. I was looking for mainly qualitative data to understand potential challenges and some of their general behaviors related to reading.

Preliminary Survey Questions

How old are you?
How often do you read?
What is the reasoning or motivation behind your reading?
What is your favorite form of reading?
Describe what makes you want to start reading. Is it a certain environment, someone or something that inspires you, a convenient time in your day, etc?
What is your favorite time (s) of day to read?
Describe what makes a good reading experience for yourself.
Describe any specific problems that occur during your reading experience that could be improved upon.
Do you use a lighting device to read?
If so, which of these lighting devices do you use to read?
Would you be willing to purchase a product to help enhance or solve a problem related to your reading experience?
Is there any product you use related to reading that could function better or is insufficient in doing it's job?

Main Findings

People's main motivation for reading is hobby and leisure, but some also read for school. Most people prefer traditional books to e-books. Common motivations for reading are nice weather and trying to wind down at night. As shown above, people tend to read at night or the end of their day. A problem that some pointed out related to their reading experience is lighting if they are reading early in the morning or late at night.

The Problem

Improper lighting can hinder people from having a suitable reading experience.

Some people answering that they tend to read in the evening affirmed some of my assumption that light source is important to the reading experience.

My survey was sent out to 8 people. It does not reflect greater habits on reading, but I used it as a starting point to develop some ideas.

Preferences varied in my small data set, but I chose to explore the patterns and problems that pointed to a design challenge.

Traditional reading lights are clunky and not easy to move. The goal is to create a product that is portable and lightweight.

Exploration

Early Sketches

My first design explored a long slim rectangular design that clipped onto the top of the front or back of the book. My goal was to make a design that was sleek and functional.

I did not go with this design because I did not properly think through the technicalities like batteries and considered that would make it bulky.

Design Iterations

I went through a lot of cardboard prototypes and 3D prints to find the right fit, proportions, and design. My goal was to design something sleek and functional. I also wanted something that could stay on the book seamlessly.

I ultimately decided on magnets to take advantage of the inside of the book.

Final Implementation

Features

The magnetic reading light features an on and off switch and is powered by two 3V coin cell batteries. One magnet is built into the battery pack while the other comes separately. When not in use the other magnet can be stored attached to the battery pack. The LED light and battery pack are incased in a PLA 3D print.

Functionality

The body of the Magnetic Reading Light is placed on the outside cover of the book, while the magnet is placed adjacent to the cover of the book or in between the pages. The design works for hardback books as well as paperback. The magnetic reading light fits a range of book sizes, has the ability able to be placed anywhere, and can be stored compactly with the book.

The advantage of magnets is the reading light can be placed anywhere on the book.

Results

It was interesting to produce a product that is functional. I had difficulty finding a lighting piece that would work. The lighting piece is a white LED piece, and if I were to do something differently I would try to give the reading light a warmer hue for a cozy experience. Overall, I learned a lot about the process of designing and manufacturing a product.

This was my first time producing a personal lighting device..