01 / Ideate
Ideate
Explored directional task-lighting concepts for different working positions, tasks, and day-to-night needs.
Back to selected workAdjustable
01 / Product design & mechanical systems
Adjustable
scissor-lift lamp
Mechanical design · Task lighting
Designed and built a desk lamp for late-night work in a shared dorm room, with adjustable height, head rotation, and beam width.
Watch lamp videoProject introduction · YouTube
Prototype specificationsHeight, direction
Height, direction
& beam control
A scissor-lift mechanism, swiveling head, and variable-focus flashlight provide control over the position and spread of the light.
- Height range
- 25–80cm
- Head rotation
- 360°
- Weight (approx.)
- 1kg
- Build cost (approx.)
- $25USD
The brief
Design requirements
Living in a shared dorm room meant I often needed to work late without disturbing my roommate. Conventional desk lamps either spilled too much light or lacked the flexibility I wanted for different tasks.
I set out to build a compact lamp that combined a scissor-lift mechanism, a swiveling head, and variable-focus lighting. The design had to provide directional illumination while remaining stable and easy to reposition.
The challenge
Balance height adjustment, stability, head articulation, and beam control in a single product that would be practical to use every day.
The approach
Prototype the movement first, refine the structural geometry, and integrate an adjustable flashlight and its variable-focus optics with custom mechanical components.
Development process
Design & build process
Original sketches and prototypes trace the project’s development. Select an image to look more closely.
02 / Design
Design
Developed the scissor-lift geometry, head mechanism, and supporting structure; refined proportions for stability and usability.
03 / Prototype
Prototype
Used foamboard and straws to explore the mechanism before fabricating and assembling the functional components.
04 / Test & refine
Test & refine
Tested height, articulation, stability, and beam control, then refined friction, movement, and ergonomics.
Engineering the details
Mechanism & optical design
Scissor-lift stability
I evaluated different adjustment options before settling on a scissor-lift mechanism. The geometry needed to stay stable as the lamp extended, rather than only working well at one height.
Spotlight-to-floodlight control
An adjustable flashlight provided the variable-focus optics. Integrating it into the lamp allowed the beam to move between a focused spotlight and a wider floodlight without replacing the light source.
Adjustment & ergonomics
Height, head movement, illumination range, and focus influenced one another. Multiple design iterations addressed friction and movement while keeping the complete product usable.
Build notes
Materials & specifications
| Height | Adjustable from 25 to 80 cm |
|---|---|
| Width | 20 cm |
| Head rotation | 360° |
| Beam | Spotlight to floodlight |
| Weight | Approximately 1 kg |
| Build cost | Approximately US$25 |
Materials & components
Laser-cut wood, 3D-printed plastic, fasteners, a radial ball bearing, an adjustable flashlight, and electrical tape.
Tools & fabrication
Laser cutting, Bambu Lab 3D printing, saws, a drill and drill press, sanding tools, measuring tools, and hand assembly.
Build figures are approximate and reflect the prototype shown.
Outcome & lessons learned
A functional,
adjustable task lamp
This project taught me to balance function, usability, appearance, and manufacturability around a real user need.
Iterative prototyping helped me refine the mechanism, friction, head movement, and beam control while developing my mechanical design and fabrication skills.
Next project
DIY rowing machine
View case studyContact Marcus
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