unfold – soft directing of light
designed 2023
semester project „guiding light“ at Angewandte Industrial Design
supervised by Louis Betin and Elisabeth Wilding
in collabortion with Midgard Licht
Unfold introduces a new approach to directing light—one that prioritizes fluidity, tactility, and intuitive interaction. Unlike conventional adjustable lamps that rely on mechanical joints and rigid articulation, this light operates through a soft motion.
The direction of the light cone changes depending on how far the textile shade is unfolded. The lamp mimics the motion of a living being, responding to the user through gentle tilting and stretching. This is made possible by the textile’s engineered material properties, which define a built-in folding pattern that guides its transformation.
The light is equipped with a rechargeable battery and a hall sensor, allowing the on/off function to become part of the physical interaction—simple, seamless, and intuitive.
„unfold“ explores the boundaries between technology and emotion, offering a subtle, responsive experience that redefines the relationship between object and user.
making of