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Incubators... What is new in 2024?

EcoLume

Sustainable and minimalistic 3D-printed flat-pack design for efficient transportation

EcoLume Design — © Aniek Goossens

This project addresses Signify's packaging inefficiencies by leveraging innovative 3D printing and sustainability in a flat-pack luminaire designed for e-commerce. The design reduces shipping volume, while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Project's Overview

In collaboration with Koen van Os (3D printed product Architect at Signify) and the TU/e, a design has been developed to tackle Signify's transportation inefficiencies. This graduation project introduces innovative approaches to 3D printing and sustainability through the development of a flat-pack luminaire optimized for e-commerce. The design reduces shipping volume by utilizing 3D printing technology, addressing practical challenges while prioritizing environmental responsibility. To tackle the packaging inefficiency challenge, sample-making approaches have been utilized to lead to a surprising outcome, together with research into sustainable materials and production methods, such as recycled or biodegradable filaments for 3D printing. Depending on the types of materials, 3D print quality has also been researched for an aesthetically pleasing design. By researching and potentially incorporating these materials into the design, the project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. This approach underscores the aim to develop a product that is not only functional and aesthetically appealing, but also mindful of its environmental impact.

Transportation & User Experience

A transportation test was conducted with the final concept to validate its design, confirming that the prototypes were compatible with standard mailboxes, a key advantage for the shipping process. This test formed part of a broader user study, which assessed participants' experiences, expectations, and perceptions of the potential purchase. Identical prototypes were sent to participants’ homes to evaluate not only mailbox compatibility but also the overall experience of home delivery. The findings highlighted three key points: (1) users appreciated the convenience of not needing to be home for delivery, (2) they valued the sustainability of mailbox delivery over traditional parcel shipping, and (3) there was a desire for greater transparency in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, improvements in packaging seem to be necessary to better connect the flat-pack design to its environmental benefits.

About Aniek Goossens

I am a technology-oriented designer (MSc) within the product development domain. My specialization revolves around blending creativity and innovation, where I am intrigued by the design process and how innovative technologies, such as 3D printing, could enhance this for creative outputs.

EcoLume 3D printing — © Aniek Goossens

EcoLume Unpacking — © Aniek Goossens