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Here’s a breakdown of what’s in store today

⭐ 1 Shift: The Surprising Rise of 3D Printed Lamps

⚡ 1 Tip: Commitment Devices in Design

💊 4 Resources: Secret Creative Resources That Pros Use

Reading time: 7 minutes (A bit longer than usual)

⭐ Shift

The Surprising Rise of 3D Printed Lamps

3D printing has quietly but significantly entered the world of lighting design, and 2024 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year. What started as niche experimentation is now completely redefining expectations around what home and commercial lighting can be. From major design brands to independent creators sharing their designs on Instagram, the trend is unmistakable: we’re going to see a lot more 3D printed lamps and accessories, and consumers are already embracing it. But why is this shift happening now? And… where are we headed?

1. Bambu Labs : The Mascot for Home Printing

A major driver behind the proliferation of 3D printed home decor is the rapid advancement of at-home 3D printing technology. Leading the charge is Bambu Lab, whose accessible, high-quality printers have made sophisticated additive manufacturing possible for small studios, hobbyists, and independent designers. (Look, I’m not paid by them, but I do have a BL printer myself.) Their desktop printers, like the P1P and X1 Carbon, offer features such as high speed and software-driven precision, usually reserved for industrial models, at prices starting as low as $650​. The industry picked this up and a new wave of creators are now able to produce professional-grade lighting and decor right from their homes. As for why lamps? I’m not sure, probably a low hanging fruit?

According to a report from Forbes, nearly a million desktop 3D printers priced under $2,500 were shipped worldwide in just the fourth quarter of 2023 — a new quarterly record. And while hobbyists were the initial target market, more and more of these machines are being purchased by small businesses and professional studios looking to expand their product offerings​. "It’s not just about low prices, it’s the convenience and ease of use that have democratized this space," says Chris Connery, a senior analyst at Context. For a young company like Bambu Lab, this has translated into a staggering 3,000% sales growth in 2023 alone​.

2. The Rise of 3D Printed Lighting Brands

Brands like Gantri and Wooj Design are riding this wave of accessible 3D printing technology, establishing themselves as key players in this new era of custom home decor. Gantri, a San Francisco-based company, specializes in eco-friendly, 3D printed lighting that is both artistic and functional. By using proprietary plant-based PLA blends and custom 3D Printers, Gantri can create complex geometries and intricate textures that traditional manufacturing simply can’t replicate. As a result, their lighting fixtures are gaining popularity in high-end design circles (note: Almost all of their products are designed by independent designers and studios). I, however, cannot afford a $200+ lamp right now. 😊

Meanwhile, Wooj Design has tapped into a different market segment with its playful, Instagram-friendly aesthetic. Founder Sean Kim started Wooj in a small Brooklyn studio, and his Wavy Lamp quickly became a social media sensation thanks to its unique organic shapes and affordability. “3D printing is the perfect medium for us. It allows us to experiment, iterate, and customize without the constraints of traditional manufacturing,” says Kim.

At the core of both brands is their sustainability story. In fact, Wooj even emphasizes a "right-to-repair" philosophy, designing its lamps to be easily disassembled and recycled.

3. Independent Designers and The Instagram (Shop) Boom

Beyond established brands, tons of independent designers are using platforms like Instagram, Tiktok and Etsy to showcase their 3D printed creations. This grassroots movement is lowering the barriers for small-scale designers to enter the lighting market, allowing them to test, iterate, and sell directly to a global audience.

The VoxelMatters even reported from Milan Design Week that "the quality and reach of 3D printed lighting products have improved significantly," driven by designers who are eager to experiment with new materials like biocomposites and recycled polymers​.

Many of these designers often leverage open-source models or partner with major printer manufacturers to innovate. Lofted Goods, for instance, has gained 10s of millions of views showcasing their 3D-printed planters, lamps, and accessories.

Here are two of my favorite lamp designs in what seems to be a crowded field at the moment:

1. Squish Lamp by Emmanuel Huqnot. Watch how he uses a hairdryer to soften up the plastic before literally squishing it.

2. Threaded Lamp by Jasper Ole Friedrich Krebs. Pictured below is developed in collaboration with @studiogansa. They are using custom g-code to generate almost 5mm thick layer lines.

Where Are We Headed?

I believe we’re at the middle of a significant cultural shift in how people perceive 3D printed objects. This time, It’s not just about the technology itself. The merging of design, sustainability, and accessibility is making 3D printed home accessories (and it’s story) super appealing. In the west, consumers are now more comfortable with 3D printed products, seeing them as legitimate, high-quality options rather than experimental or temporary solutions. In fact, major companies are jumping on board. For example, Signify, a spinoff from Philips, reported that it 3D printed hundreds of thousands of lamps in 2023, marking its biggest year since it began using the technology in 2018​.

This creates a huge opportunity for brands and independent creators alike to explore new forms, push the boundaries of materials, and build direct relationships with their audience. We're likely to see new hybrid products that blend traditional craftsmanship with 3D-printed elements, blurring the line between handmade and digitally manufactured goods. Moreover, 3D printing is already expanding beyond mere decor, finding increasingly functional applications. In an article I wrote last year, I discussed how companies are leveraging 3D printing for upgrades, and I maintain that this approach represents the future of manufacturing.

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⚡ Tip

Commitment Devices in Design

Commitment devices are small design features that leverage human psychology to create a sense of obligation or ownership, motivating users to follow through on actions. These devices work by tapping into our natural aversion to inconsistency — the feeling that once we start something, we should see it through. In other words, they encourage users to stay on track and complete tasks that might otherwise be abandoned.

Why Do They Work?

Humans have a strong desire to remain consistent with past decisions and actions. This is called the consistency principle in psychology, which states that when people commit to something, even in a minor way, they are more likely to continue acting in accordance with that commitment.

How to Implement Commitment Devices in Your Work:

1. Progress Indicators:

   • What it is: Progress bars, checklists, or step-by-step navigation.

   • Why it works: Seeing visible progress can be incredibly motivating. When users perceive that they’ve already invested effort (even if only a little), they’re more inclined to finish.

   • Example: Duolingo’s language learning app shows a streak count and percentage completed, encouraging users to complete a session and keep their streak alive.

2. Micro-Commitments:

   • What it is: Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more achievable actions.

   • Why it works: By asking users to start with a small, easy task (e.g., filling in their first name), it lowers the psychological barrier, making them feel they’ve already made progress.

   • Example: LinkedIn’s profile completion bar starts by asking for basic information like a user’s job title. Once they begin, they’re nudged to add more details until they have a “complete” profile.

3. Pre-commitment:

   • What it is: Asking users to set goals or publicly commit to an action.

   • Why it works: When people make commitments upfront (e.g., scheduling a task or promising to complete an action), they are more likely to honor that commitment.

   • Example: Fitness apps often use this technique by letting users schedule workouts or set daily step goals, creating a soft obligation to achieve them.

4. Endowment Effect:

   • What it is: The psychological phenomenon where people value things more highly simply because they own them, even if only partially.

   • Why it works: Users are more likely to finish tasks if they feel like they’ve already invested effort or made something "theirs."

   • Example: Canva’s templates are often pre-filled with user content. Seeing their name or logo integrated into a design gives a sense of ownership, making them more likely to complete and download the final piece.
     
     Happy Designing!

💊 Resources

4 links to boost your creativity.

• 60 FPS Endless collection of delightful details from best-in-class apps. Super cool for research and inspiration.

• Use and Modify is a collection of open source, free to use fonts

• Speaking of free fonts, check out https://velvetyne.fr/

• Business in Design w/ Anil Reddy A great podcast episode exploring the nuances of building a design business in India, featuring the founder of Lollypop.