Kim Thomson

Concept 1 - Looking at Alternative Energy and Innovative Solutions: A high fashion trench coat with flexible solar panel shoulder pads. After walking around outside during the day, the user can push a button on the inside collar to turn on a subtle light under the yolk.

Concept 2 - Looking at Innovative Solutions to tell a story: An underwater pool light that looks and acts like seaweed. There's a weighted base. The light is contained in a sealed plastic case with air pockets so that the float upwards to the surface. I do have some concerns about safety, like getting tangled in the strands...

Concept 3 - Looking at Trade Solutions: This concept is an egg candler. After researching existing products, I noted the commonality of this light funnel which the egg rests on. This isn't a very compact or portable feature, so I've made it twist out. The other feature is the different ways the candler can be set up to accomodate for usage preferences.

Concept 4 - Looking at Major Retail: One problem identified was that all flashlights look the same. I would like to develop a flashlight targeted to outdoor use. The main innovation would be an integrated casing in a flexible rubber or foam fabric such as neoprene. My inspiration came from a banana, and the idea of pulling back the cover to reveal the light. I would also take the opportunity to experiment with some different forms. UPDATE: This is the concept I've decided to continue with.

Concept 5

Shoulderpad Model - Model looking at how the solar panels could be formed into an appropriate shape.

Fabric Flashlight Model - Looking at how a fabric cap could be used to cover the light source.

User Testing - Exploration of different textiles which could be used as the base of the flashlight. Users most prefered leather and neoprene. Both fabrics would target a different market really. Neoprene is more sporty and outdoors feeling, while leather is more expensive and luxurious feeling.

Exploded View - A very rough exploded view to help me work through the components I might need to design.

Proof of Concept - A very rough attempt at creating the fabric casing out of neoprene to hold the batteries without a solid case inside.

Existing Products - Exploring the light quality and the construction of existing products.