This lamp has feelings: Anthropomorphic interpretations of internal states through lighting design

Abstract

Anthropomorphism can simply be described as the application of humanlike qualities onto non-human entities. The term, used mostly in cognitive psychology, has been questioned by many researchers in the field, but often all have concluded it as something “simply built into us”. Nonetheless, anthropomorphism exists and accompanies us all throughout our lives, to the point we may never question it or ever consciously feel it. Like in our everyday, anthropomorphism exists and is used in furniture design, with many objects produced and continuing to be made in a way that oftentimes replicates human body parts and turns them into functional products. Some have become huge design icons while most take our attention and pique our curiosity.

This thesis takes on the topic of anthropomorphism from the perspective of furniture design and dissects this phenomenon from various relevant approaches. The initial step is a background study of the psychology behind human experience of anthropomorphism. This will further inform ways for finding and collecting examples of anthropomorphic furniture designs that will then serve as an overview of the relevant and important works perceived as anthropomorphic. Additionally, there will be three case studies that will delve deeper into specific designers whose anthropomorphic work has impacted the design field, and whose methods and motivations for those creations vary significantly providing a larger spectrum of approach. From there, the thesis will then try to understand and highlight the reasons why objects could be designed as anthropomorphic, and the suitable ways to achieve this. Studies referenced and originating from specific anthropomorphic product design research will be applied and discussed with suggestions in relation to the timeline examples.

Moving from the theoretical research, the thesis will begin with its own anthropomorphic design applications. The design project will consist of a small lighting collection that will attempt to use the notion of interpreting humanlike internal states – specifically feelings – as the main concept and type of anthropomorphic furniture. The lamps will only make subtle references to the human body, enough to begin the process of anthropomorphism, but the focus will be on recreating non-verbal communication and interaction that exist between humans. Challenging to create and translate human emotions through specific arrangements of the forms. Additionally, as anthropomorphism is always personal, there is also a possibility for various interpretations and experiences of these emotions within the minds of the viewers.