Luxblade

Smart Lamp for Functional Form Flock Allies

The Luxblade project introduces a cylindrical lightbulb without traditional screw mechanisms, incorporating advanced internal components such as control chips, a battery, and LED panels. Designed to create a tangible interaction with light, it encourages direct user engagement. Both floor and desktop lamps feature three distinct light sources: main lights, foundation domes, and light rings. Touchpads on the blade allow users to adjust light direction and brightness with intuitive gestures.

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Luxblade by Menghai Xia

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Smart Lamp by Menghai Xia

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Menghai Xia Luxblade

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Menghai Xia Smart Lamp

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Functional Form Flock AlliesBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

The Luxblade lighting project introduces a cylindrical lightbulb without a traditional screw in mechanism, featuring advanced internal components like control chips, a battery, and LED panels. Inspired by making light tangible, users can grab and interact with the light. Both floor and desktop lamps have three light sources: main lights, foundation domes, and light rings. Touchpads on the blade let users adjust light direction with circular motions and control brightness with vertical swipes.

Tags

Tangible light, interactive lighting, smart home integration, touch sensitive controls, detachable light source, home decor, personalized lighting, LED technology, HomeKit, scifi inspired design

Production Technology

We managed the design and prototyping process in house using CAD and 3D printing. The main light source, "The Blade," is housed in a durable white acrylic shell, while the base and foundation domes are made from anodized aluminum to ensure stability and add the necessary weight. The advanced LED technology is integrated within this structure, and we developed touch-sensitive controls using capacitive touch sensors. The magnetic charging base was also engineered for seamless docking, and the software was built to integrate with Apple HomeKit for smart home compatibility.

Design Challenge

The hardest part of designing Luxblade was balancing its sci-fi-inspired aesthetic with practical functionality. Internally, we faced challenges in making light feel tangible while ensuring the product remained user-friendly and not overly futuristic. Externally, we had to address production limitations, such as integrating touch controls and battery technology in a sleek form. Additionally, ensuring compatibility with smart systems like Apple HomeKit while adhering to safety and tech regulations added complexity. Through iterative design and testing, we achieved a functional yet emotionally engaging product.

Project Duration

2023.11-present. Savannah,Ga, USA and Beijing,China

Operation Flow

Luxblade has touch controls for adjusting light direction with circular motions and brightness with vertical swipes. The Blade, the main light source, is detachable for portability, and a guiding light on the magnetic dock activates upon removal. The base light also turns on when The Blade is removed, providing continuous lighting that can be controlled via Apple HomeKit or manually for a customizable and seamless experience.

Research

Our research for Luxblade blended functionality with a sense of wonder, inspired by tangible light in science fiction. We designed a light users could physically grab and carry. User feedback helped refine aesthetics, usability, and emotional interaction, resulting in a romantic, hands-on experience seamlessly integrated with smart systems like Apple HomeKit, merging science fiction-inspired design with practical, smart technology for everyday use.

Inspiration

The inspiration of this project is the concept of “grabbing” light, transforming it from an intangible element into a physical, interactive experience. The luxblade allows users to hold and carry light, making it feel more personal and portable. By eliminating the traditional screw in mechanism, the design enhances this experience, creating a versatile object that redefines how we interact with light, shifting it from a purely visual element to a tangible, user controlled source.

Image Credits

All pictures are works of the team.

Project Overview

Luxblade Smart Lamp has been a Iron winner in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Menghai Xia was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Luxblade Smart Lamp.

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