AbstractsEngineering

At the faculty of Industrial Design Engineering there is a constant search for new materials with a potential value within the field of product design. This graduation explores flexible electroluminescent material, a layered material 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 to it. The material is analysed on its material properties which concluded in a set of eight design handles. These handles provide both a starting point for ideation as well as an evaluation tool. A conceptual phase lead to the concept of the Flipshade. This is a lighting concept embodying electroluminescence on the surface of a lamp shade. 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. Further exploring electroluminescence and developing the concept of the Flipshade lead to the construction of a prototype. The role of the prototype is to communicate the potential of the flexible electroluminescent material to other designers. The Flipshade is a carrier of information, displaying not only material properties. It also invites designers to deepen their understanding of the material on a sensorial and inspirational way. In that sense presenting the flexible electroluminescent material is favoured over an off-the-shelve sample. This explorative design process adds to the development of electroluminescence and provides other designers a starting point for getting to know the material. Moreover, the project can have implications on other explorative projects in the role of the prototype, realising the prototype and presenting a new or unknown material. Advisors/Committee Members: Jansen, K.M.B., Pasman, G.J., Barati, B..