"Joined"

Maple and Pewter Chess Set

Lorenzo Ferrazzano

Industrial Design Studio

Spring 2026

Rendered Using VizCom

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.

Research and Inspiration

F/6

Traditional Dimmer

Ideation Sketches

I explored the interaction through fast, loose sketches, testing pleated shades, hanging lanterns with carry handles, A-frame forms, and a range of slot patterns and cone proportions. The recurring idea was two layers of slots sliding past each other, which led to studies of nested cones, bearing stacks, and how a hand would grip and turn the base.

Preliminary Models

Mold Making and Casting

Woodworking and Refinement

Initial Model Analysis

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.

CMF

The final CAD model brings every refinement into one assembly: a stationary outer cone, a rotating inner cone on a turntable bearing, a fluted aperture band, AA battery housing in the base, and a push-button cap holding the LED. The exploded view shows how the parts stack, and the drawings define the key dimensions for printing and fit.

Final CAD Model

Final Prototype and Use

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