Finding a Purpose
Rounds of market research showed that almost all light therapy boxes are plain white squares. With my passion for mental health, I took it upon myself to create a more inviting, dynamic form of light therapy.
How Does it Help?
People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) suffer from a loss of energy and pleasure, feelings of worthlessness, and an inability to concentrate during winter months when sunlight is lacking. Light therapy replaces natural sunlight and thus restores mood and serotonin levels.
What is Light Therapy?
Light therapy is a treatment for seasonal depression (also known as seasonal affective disorder) that involves being near a special light source for a maximum of 30 minutes within the first hour of waking.
​
Design Goals
-
Provide comfort for those experiencing seasonal depression.
-
Symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing design for a bedroom environment.
-
Portable and easy to use.
Considerations
-
Light boxes usually provide 10,000 lux.
-
Most effective when used 16–24 inches away from face.
-
Best to be used for 30 minutes at a time.
The Initial Prototype
Using a pattern to create the symmetrical geometric shape, the pieces were laser cut and pieced together to experiment with the size and proportions of the form.
Feel lighter.
Glow brighter.
Aesthetic Choices
The Theralux light box features symmetrical angles complemented by asymmetrical overlapping wood veneer. The use of wood provides a natural texture
that adds comfort and warmth to any space.
Takeaways
Thinking of new ways to design something that has been commonplace always excites me as a designer. In this project, I navigated what works and what doesn't when designing with a specific group's needs in mind. I learned how to bring my (at first seemingly complex) idea to life through a functional model.