cyca
industrial design
about the project
cyca is a portable lamp powered by a rechargeable battery, designed to accompany outdoor moments through a functional and emotional approach. the project is based on two clear premises: inspiration drawn from vegetation, specifically a cycas revoluta from my own garden, and a specific use scenario: a sunset picnic at the beach.
the lamp is conceived as ambient lighting, subtle and non-invasive, meant to accompany conversations without producing an intense or direct light. its purpose is to create atmosphere rather than dominate the space. while analysing this context of use, i identified a recurring issue: small personal objects such as keys or rings are often left on the picnic blanket and become difficult to locate once darkness falls.
this observation led to one of the main design decisions: the inclusion of a lateral surface or “wing”, a dedicated area where small objects can be placed and kept visible under soft light. when the lamp is not used in this configuration, its conical geometry, inspired by the central structure of the cycas plant, allows it to be inserted directly into the sand, preventing glare and generating a more comfortable and indirect light.
result & outcome
the final outcome is a portable lamp with clean, minimal lines, available in four different colours, combining a contemporary design language with clear botanical references. cyca successfully fulfils its two main purposes: serving as ambient outdoor lighting and helping users keep track of small personal objects during informal gatherings.
this project was especially rewarding due to the need to design within the technical limitations of the internal electrical components. these constraints directly influenced the form and helped shape a more coherent and refined geometry.
through cyca, i was able to explore lighting design, learn about assemblies and component integration, and work within a more technical design framework. it is a project rooted in observation, usability and context, reinforcing my interest in creating objects that respond to real everyday situations through thoughtful design.
