Flipshade

This project explores flexible electroluminescent material embodied in a lighting concept called the Flipshade. The material is embedded in such a way that it communicates its potential through the concept in the form of a prototype. Hereby it makes use of the unique characteristics that printed electroluminescence has to offer.

The flexible electroluminescent material consists of a layered structure that can be applied by screen printing. More detailed, electroluminescence is the non-thermal generation of light from a phosphor material when a high electric field is applied. The material is analysed on its material properties which concluded in a set of eight design handles displayed to the right. These handles provide both a starting point for ideation as well as an evaluation tool.

A conceptual phase led to the concept of the Flipshade. This is a lighting concept embodying electroluminescence on the surface of a lampshade. The lampshade is flexible, thus enabling the flipping of the shade inside out. The user has the option to have the illuminated surface either on the outside or the inside. This principle is embodied in a prototype, shown below. Its role is to communicate the potential of electroluminescent material for product designers, by offering a platform for discussion and inspiration.