F/6
Battery Powered Aperture Lamp
Lorenzo Ferrazzano
Industrial Design Studio
Fall 2026
Rendered Using VizCom
01
Overview
Most dimmers only change how bright a light is. Turn the knob and the lamp gets dimmer, but the light itself never changes character, and the control feels separate from the object it adjusts. F/6 asks what happens when dimming changes the shape of the light, not just its strength, and when the control is part of the lamp itself.
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Proposed Solution
Integrated dimmer knob changes the shape and amount of visible light.
Traditional Dimmer
F/6 Dimmer
03
Research and Inspiration
F/6
Traditional Dimmer
Speakers, cameras, vents, and containers use integrated apertures and slots as design features. Light patterns and cast shadows bring warmth to a room.
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Ideation Sketches
05
Final Direction
The final direction combines a stationary outer cone with a rotating inner cone, driven by a fluted band at the base. Rotating the band shifts the inner slots against the outer ones, closing the aperture from fully open to fully shut, and the light and shadow cast on the table change with it. From there, I worked out the internal layout: a turntable bearing for smooth rotation, AA battery housing in the base, and a push-button cap holding the LED. Marker renderings tested the proportions and the contrast between the light body and the dark metal band.
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Form Development
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Model Iterations and Circuit Construction
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Initial Model Analysis
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Model Refinements
Using the notes from the first model, I reworked the base in CAD. The inner base got taller so the base plate connects properly, the rotation slots were widened for a full open-to-closed range, and the fluting on the band was deepened to make it clear that the band is what you turn.
The revised parts were reprinted, with the band and inner base in black to stand in for the final dark metal finish. Support material was cleared from the spoked base by hand, and the fits between parts were checked before assembly.
With the new parts, I rebuilt the circuit, routing the LED wires through the wider cord channel and fitting the battery housing and switch into the base. Testing the light inside the cones confirmed the slots cast clean rays with the new tolerances.
The refined prototype brings everything together: a taller, more defined cap, a sturdier base, and a smooth-turning aperture band. Lit up, it shows the glowing slots and dark base contrast the final design is built around.
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CMF
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CAD and Keyshot Renders
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Final Prototype
Most dimmers only change how bright a light is. Turn the knob and the lamp gets dimmer, but the light itself never changes character, and the control feels separate from the object it adjusts. F/6 asks what happens when dimming changes the shape of the light, not just its strength, and when the control is part of the lamp itself.
13
Rendered Using VizCom