Our Carousel Candle, a decoration that can also be used as a stress reduction tool, is a design that combines both the Chinese culture of the trotting horse lamp and ISB elements (the dragon figures that are spun). Precisely, it converts thermal energy, the heat from the candles, to kinetic energy, the spinning figures. Moreover, our targetted audiences are members of our ISB community that are in middle school or above since our product deals with fire. In particular, we’ve noticed that there have been high levels of stress in our school, which, therefore, motivated us to create something that could help our peers cope with stress, but also simply have something in your house that could represent our dragon pride.

Throughout the whole process, our views remained extremely similar. Our design consists of two pieces, the inner candle, and the outer case.

The inner case would be formed from four candles attached on a wooden platform, in which in the middle, would be a hole where a wooden stick would be placed. On the top of the stick, a spinning platform, with long-long figures would be on it. This is the key to our design, in which when the candles are lightened, a convection current will occur, causing the figures to spin.

Next, to further stabilize the stick on both ends(the primary focus in that if it is stabilized perfectly, the figures will be enabled to spin), like the trotting horse lamp, we have created an outer case. This will be formed by combing four pieces of wood together, creating a rectangular figure, while also breaking rectangular holes in them covered with paper.

The paper was the only change we made. Originally, we wanted to use half-transparent paper, so that looking at the outside, we could see the shadows of the spinning figures instead of the figure itself. However, we were not able to find it; therefore, we decided to use fully transparent paper.

From the whole process, I have learned valuable lessons due to my failure of the figures not able to automatically spin when the fire has lighted.  I learned the importance of planning carefully and ensuring everything is in exact detail. This is because I assumed that strong convection currents can just simply occur, yet did not dive deep to comprehend how the measurements can affect the current. Instead, if I knew the exact sizes and ensured that it will lead to the figured moving, we would have succeeded.

Use the rubric & your own success criteria to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the product. (impact of the design on audience and environment)

Based on the Rubric:

Strengths- clear view and impact on the intended audience, analysis of precedents, documented design process, and effectively used the success criteria to present explanations,

Weaknesses- not enough detailed (in the sense that we did not do enough research to know that the convection current would be strong enough), and the impact on the environment was not as effective(there were some parts that aren’t environmentally friendly, such as using wood, although it is reusable).

Based on own success criteria: (if it is able to spin without the lighted handles manually; it won’t be too loose to fall down, and it will not be too tight that it will be stuck)

Strengths: we did meet it, and we further ensured this by also adding a hole to allow the stick to be stabilized on both ends.

Weakness: However, we assumed that when it would occur, there would be no more barriers in which the figures could not spin automatically (after lighting the candles), ignoring the whole part of the convection current.

Ultimately, I am proud of our organization, we were able to effectively manage our time during the four classes, despite my absence due to another commitment. Also, I am proud that I learned how to use the laser-cut in such a short amount of time-from designing on the computer, to actually viewing the process, these were all steps that were brand new to me. Lastly, I am proud of the inspiration and meaning behind our Carousel Candle; we hope to spread Chinese culture to the ISB students. However, there were also various challenges. One of the most obvious ones, as previously mentioned, is our misconceptions and neglect of the convention current. If we had spent more time researching the current and the spinning step of our product, it would have made this project more memorable. Yet, I enjoyed the process and cherished our time working in the design lab.

Reflect on your prototype. What were some strengths? What needs refinement?

Initially, I feared the laser cut process- whether the wooden stick would be able to fit perfectly and still be stabilized on the cutting platform. However, this unexpectedly worked out well, yet a struggle we are currently facing is how to allow it to spin. The reason behind this is not that the wooden stick was too tight, but in my opinion, because the convection current that allowed the figure to move was not strong enough.

We would like to fix this by attempting to increase the length of the string attached to the formation while also re-printing the figures in a smaller size. (if time allows!)

Furthermore, we infer that the object attached to the spinning platform is too heavy (taking the hot glue, string, and figures’ weight all into account) may also be another reason why it’s spinning.

Despite our misconceptions, the other parts went through successfully despite this failure. As previously mentioned, we were able to work well with the laser cut and construct all the pieces together.

Moreover, one thing that was significantly altered from our plan was the paper used for the outer case. Originally, we wanted it to be half-transparent so that the shadows of the figures could be seen. However, we could not find this type of paper, and it was too late to buy it online. Therefore, we decided to use transparent sheets, which still worked well

Front View

Feedback From Peers:

Judy: “I suggest increasing the thermal energy below so that there would be more convection pushing the air. I would also suggest maybe opening the top of the lantern or make a little more opened area on the top so that cold air can actually flow in, helping the convection to be completed.”

Lily: “A positive is that your plan was similarly applied to the real product. However, because it failed to spin, I suggest you to use lighter-weight materials so that it is easier to be moved. ”

Sophie: “Some design feedback or wonderings I have is that maybe a change in the material should be reconsidered. Also, if it really has worked, when the candle is lit, would it damage the plastic and wood around the sides? If so, is this product reusable? With paper, wood, and plastic around the flame, how would it be safe for your users, especially since the purpose is to help reduce stress?”

Candy: “I like your inspiration and concept of combining Chinese culture with ISB elements. However, a thing you should focus on is the convection current. I think you should allow the outer case to be more sealed so that the heat will not flow away.”

Summary of what was mentioned above: 

• A conflicting idea of increasing the convection current by opening the lid, or sealing the lid.
• Reduce the weight of the materials
• Also, to answer Sophie’s question: No, the candles will not damage their surroundings because we have intentionally hot-glued their holder far away from the case; therefore, it is reusable. Also, we have also considered the safety issue, so we set our targetted audience to middle school users and above, whom we expect will safely work with fire.

Birds-eye View

Because our final class is set in our normal classroom, the things we could achieve were limited. Therefore, we could not make any changes. However, here are some changes we would like to implement if time allows.

1. Remove the transparent paper on the lid to invite cold air in (creating a strong convection current)
2. Increase the length of the string(easier for convection current to stimulate), while re-print the figures smaller(decrease weight)