Interview about Honey Drop Lighting, winner of the A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award 2023
Gentle light illumination of honey. This lighting is a disaster prevention item that also adds color to everyday life. Place honey in a glass container that looks like dripping honey and place it on a wooden pedestal with a rechargeable LED. In an emergency, the honey can be used as emergency food, and the pedestal can be used as a flashlight. This product is not to be stored away for use only in emergencies, but also to add color to everyday life.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWhen approaching this design challenge, I noticed that many disaster prevention items prioritize functionality to such an extent that they lack the aesthetic appeal needed for daily use. Particularly in Japan, while disaster preparedness is crucial, these items often end up stored away in cabinets, sometimes forgotten entirely.Facing this challenge, I realized the necessity of transforming emergency supplies from "items to be hidden" into "objects worthy of display." Honey proved to be the perfect medium for realizing this vision - not only for its practical qualities of long-term preservation and high nutritional value but also for its natural beauty with its transparent amber color.Through collaboration with master glassblowers, we captured the elegant form of honey in mid-drip, combining it with the warmth of wood to create a piece that serves as both an emergency supply and a proud element of interior design. The design process involved careful consideration of both practical requirements and aesthetic elements to ensure neither aspect compromised the other.The key breakthrough came in understanding that emergency preparedness doesn't have to be separate from our daily lives. By creating something beautiful that people want to display prominently in their homes, we ensure that emergency supplies are always within reach while simultaneously enriching the everyday living environment. This approach represents a fundamental shift in how we think about disaster prevention items, making them an integral part of our daily lives rather than items we hope never to use.
To achieve this distinctive shape, we worked closely with a glass workshop in Saga Prefecture that holds 170 years of history. The primary technical challenge was capturing the natural movement of dripping honey while meeting the requirements of a functional container.The breakthrough came through developing an innovative method where we created a wooden mold exactly matching the dimensions of the final wooden base, and performed the glassblowing directly over it. This approach allowed us to maintain precise measurements while achieving the organic form we sought. The process required multiple iterations and close collaboration between designers and master glassblowers to perfect.Several technical challenges had to be overcome. First, maintaining consistent glass thickness throughout the piece was crucial for both structural integrity and visual appeal. We developed a specific glassblowing technique that allowed for careful control of the glass distribution during the forming process. Second, creating the smooth transition between the pour spout and the main body required exceptional skill and precision.The process involved a unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern digital measuring techniques. Each piece required careful temperature control during the blowing process, as the organic shape meant that different sections of the glass needed to cool at slightly different rates to maintain the desired form. Through numerous prototypes and refinements, we eventually achieved a repeatable process that consistently produces the desired form while meeting all functional requirements.This marriage of traditional glassblowing techniques with modern design requirements represents a significant technical achievement in the field of functional glass art. The final product not only captures the essence of dripping honey but also serves as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design thinking.
The selection of honey as the core material for this design was driven by its remarkable versatility. Honey is an ideal emergency food resource, capable of being preserved for years while maintaining its high nutritional value and natural antibacterial properties. Simultaneously, its translucent amber color creates a warm, inviting illumination when light passes through it, making it perfect for everyday lighting applications.This choice deeply reflects the Japanese design philosophy of "mottainai" (avoiding waste) and the aesthetic principle of finding multiple meanings and uses within a single object. Just as a tea bowl in the Japanese tea ceremony embodies both beauty and functionality, Honey Drop Lighting aims to create tools that seamlessly bridge the gap between everyday aesthetics and emergency preparedness.The design also responds to Japan's geographical reality as a disaster-prone nation. By creating a disaster prevention item that people want to display prominently in their homes, we maintain constant disaster awareness while enriching living spaces. This approach aligns with the Japanese aesthetic tradition of finding beauty in practical objects and the cultural emphasis on harmony between form and function.Furthermore, honey holds a special place in Japanese culture, where natural materials are highly valued. Its golden color and organic origin resonate with the Japanese appreciation for natural beauty, while its long shelf life reflects the cultural value placed on sustainability and longevity. The dual functionality of honey in this design - as both an illuminating medium and emergency food source - exemplifies the Japanese concept of "ichigo ichie" (making the most of every element) in modern design.The result is a product that embodies the Japanese design principle of achieving maximum impact through minimal means, where every element serves multiple purposes while maintaining aesthetic harmony. This multifaceted approach to design, where beauty and utility coexist without compromise, represents a distinctly Japanese solution to the challenge of emergency preparedness in contemporary life.
The development of the wooden pedestal involved several critical engineering considerations to create a component that seamlessly integrates multiple functionalities. Our primary challenge was incorporating the LED lighting system and power source while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood and ensuring practical functionality in both normal and emergency situations.The engineering process focused on several key aspects:Power System Integration:Designed a rechargeable battery system that provides sufficient power for both ambient lighting and emergency useDeveloped a charging circuit that prevents overcharging while maintaining battery longevityIntegrated power indicators and charging ports discretely within the wooden structureLED Configuration:Carefully calculated LED placement for optimal light distributionSelected LEDs that provide both gentle ambient lighting and bright emergency illuminationEngineered heat dissipation solutions to protect the wood and extend LED lifespanStructural Design:Balanced the base weight and dimensions for stability during normal useCreated an ergonomic form factor suitable for handheld use in emergenciesDeveloped a precise connection point for the glass container that ensures secure placement while highlighting the honey's illuminationMaterial Engineering:Selected wood species that combine durability with aesthetic appealTreated the wood to resist moisture while maintaining its natural appearanceEngineered internal cavities for electronics without compromising structural integrityUser Interface:Integrated touch-sensitive controls that maintain the clean aestheticDeveloped multiple lighting modes for different situationsCreated an intuitive switching mechanism between ambient and emergency lighting modesThe final design successfully balances these technical requirements while maintaining the artistic vision, creating a multifunctional piece that serves both as an elegant display stand and a reliable emergency tool.
We conducted extensive experiments with various types of honey to understand their optical and nutritional properties. The research process involved several key phases:Light Transmission Studies:Tested different honey varieties for light diffusion propertiesMeasured light transmission rates through varying honey depthsAnalyzed how crystallization affects light distributionDocumented color temperature variations with different honey typesNutritional Analysis:Evaluated nutritional content across honey varietiesAssessed preservation stability under various conditionsTested sugar content and energy densityExamined antibacterial propertiesPractical Considerations:Monitored crystallization rates over timeStudied viscosity changes at different temperaturesExamined how environmental factors affect honey propertiesTested container filling and dispensing characteristicsResults and Findings:Acacia honey produced bright, clear illumination but crystallized quicklyBuckwheat honey created warm, amber tones but was too dark for optimal lightingWildflower honey offered the best balance of properties:Moderate transparency for ideal light diffusionStable crystallization characteristicsRich nutritional profileExtended shelf lifePleasant amber color that creates warm illuminationTemperature Management:Developed guidelines for optimal storage temperaturesCreated recommendations for maintaining honey qualityEstablished parameters for preventing premature crystallizationThis comprehensive testing process led to selecting wildflower honey as the optimal choice, providing both beautiful illumination and practical emergency nutrition while maintaining stable properties over time.
Balancing practical emergency requirements with aesthetic appeal was the central challenge throughout this project. Our approach focused on maintaining the core concept of creating "emergency equipment you want to use daily" while carefully considering each design element.The design process involved several key strategies:Form Following Dual Functions:Every design decision had to serve both practical and aesthetic purposesAesthetic elements were refined to enhance, not compromise, functionalityEmergency features were integrated seamlessly into the overall designMaterial Selection:Chose materials that naturally combine beauty with practicalitySelected honey for its dual role as illuminant and emergency foodUsed wood and glass for their timeless appeal and durabilityUser Experience Design:Created intuitive transitions between daily and emergency useEnsured emergency functions remained easily accessibleMaintained visual harmony in both active and passive statesTechnical Integration:Concealed technical components without compromising accessibilityBalanced power efficiency with lighting qualityDesigned for long-term reliability while maintaining aesthetic appealCultural Context:Incorporated Japanese design principles of simplicity and functionalityRespected traditional craftsmanship while meeting modern needsCreated a piece that enhances living spaces while providing securityThe final design achieves this balance by making emergency preparedness an integral part of daily life, rather than treating it as a separate consideration. This approach actually enhances both aspects: the beauty makes people more likely to keep it accessible, while the practical features add depth and purpose to its aesthetic presence.
Our research into Japanese emergency preparedness revealed several critical insights that significantly influenced the final design of Honey Drop Lighting:Key Research Findings:Most emergency supplies are stored away and often forgottenMany households have expired emergency suppliesPower outages are a primary concern during disastersPeople prefer multipurpose items over single-use emergency goodsEmergency supplies often lack aesthetic considerationBehavioral Patterns:Strong initial motivation for emergency preparedness often wanes over timeVisual reminders increase sustained emergency awarenessPeople are more likely to maintain items they use regularlyAesthetic appeal significantly influences where items are kept in homesEmergency Response Requirements:First 72 hours are critical in disaster situationsLight sources are essential emergency toolsNutritional supplies need long shelf lifeItems should be easily accessible and portablePower backup solutions are crucialDesign Implementation:Created visible, everyday placement to prevent forgettingIncorporated rechargeable lighting system for reliabilitySelected honey for its long shelf life and nutritional valueDesigned for intuitive use during emergenciesBalanced aesthetic appeal with practical functionalityCultural Considerations:Incorporated Japanese aesthetic sensibilitiesRespected traditional craft techniquesAddressed specific regional disaster risksConsidered typical Japanese living spacesThese research insights led to a design that naturally integrates into daily life while maintaining constant disaster preparedness, addressing both practical needs and psychological barriers to emergency preparedness.
The material selection process for Honey Drop Lighting involved careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure both long-term functionality and aesthetic excellence:Glass Container Design:Selected high-quality borosilicate glass for:Superior thermal resistanceOptimal light transmissionFood-grade safety standardsCrystal-clear transparencyEngineered precise thickness for:Structural stabilityEnhanced light diffusionProtection from UV radiationPrevention of honey degradationWooden Base Materials:Chose sustainably sourced hardwood for:Natural beauty and warmthStructural durabilityResistance to environmental changesOptimal weight distributionApplied specialized treatment for:Moisture resistanceTemperature stabilityEnhanced longevityPreservation of natural appearanceSealing Components:Selected premium cork material for:Airtight sealingNatural aestheticsEasy handlingLong-term durabilityEngineered precise fitting for:Complete honey preservationPrevention of crystallizationEasy access when neededMaintaining freshnessHoney Preservation Considerations:Implemented design features for:Temperature stabilityLight protectionMoisture controlCrystallization preventionMaintained optimal conditions for:Visual clarityNutritional preservationFlow characteristicsColor stabilityAll materials were selected and engineered to work in harmony, ensuring both the practical preservation of honey and the maintenance of the product's visual appeal over extended periods.
Winning the Platinum A' Design Award has profoundly influenced my perspective on creating products that seamlessly blend practical necessity with artistic expression. This recognition has reinforced several key principles in my design philosophy:Design Impact:Validated the approach of solving practical problems through beautiful designDemonstrated that emergency preparedness can be aesthetically pleasingShowed how artistic expression can enhance functional objectsReinforced the value of multifunctional design solutionsCultural Integration:Highlighted the importance of incorporating cultural elementsDemonstrated how traditional craftsmanship can address modern needsShowed the universal appeal of combining beauty with functionalityEmphasized the role of design in preserving cultural valuesFuture Directions:Inspired exploration of new ways to blend art and utilityEncouraged pushing boundaries in functional designMotivated further innovation in emergency preparednessReinforced the importance of sustainable design practicesDesign Philosophy:Strengthened belief in design as a problem-solving toolEmphasized the value of emotional connection in practical objectsReinforced the importance of user-centered designHighlighted the role of beauty in everyday objectsProfessional Growth:Provided validation for innovative design approachesOpened new perspectives on product developmentEncouraged continued exploration of dual-purpose designsReinforced commitment to meaningful design solutionsThis recognition has ultimately strengthened my commitment to creating designs that not only serve practical purposes but also enrich people's lives through their artistic merit.
Looking ahead, I believe Honey Drop Lighting represents a paradigm shift in how we approach disaster prevention items, potentially influencing future innovations in several key ways:Design Philosophy Evolution:Shifting from "stored for emergencies" to "integrated daily use"Encouraging the fusion of aesthetic value with practical functionalityDemonstrating how emergency items can enhance living spacesSetting new standards for multifunctional designCultural Impact:Inspiring a more harmonious approach to emergency preparednessPromoting the integration of traditional craftsmanship in modern solutionsEncouraging local material usage and production methodsDemonstrating how cultural values can inform practical designFuture Innovation Directions:Opening new possibilities for dual-purpose emergency itemsEncouraging exploration of natural materials in emergency productsPromoting sustainable approaches to emergency preparednessInspiring integration of smart technology with traditional materialsProduct Development:Demonstrating viable approaches to premium emergency productsEncouraging consideration of long-term user engagementPromoting quality and durability in emergency itemsShowing how beauty can enhance functionalitySocial Impact:Changing perceptions of emergency preparednessMaking disaster readiness more accessible and appealingEncouraging regular interaction with emergency itemsPromoting conscious design in everyday objectsThis design approach could lead to a new generation of emergency products that naturally integrate into our living spaces while maintaining their critical functionality.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.