Mina Kim, IDSA, a graduate student at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), has recently been granted global patents for her groundbreaking invention—the light guide plate desk lamp. Her innovative creation not only demonstrates remarkable uniqueness and ingenuity but also addresses long-standing challenges in lighting design.
The light guide plate desk lamp represents a significant improvement over conventional desk lamps that emit light solely on the desk surface, often causing glare, shading, and discomfort for users. Mina’s invention employs a thin sheet of transparent material called a light guide plate, which reflects and diffuses light uniformly. This material enables the creation of a lighting system that eliminates shadows, providing an unparalleled level of visual clarity and comfort.
One of the key highlights of Mina’s light guide plate desk lamp is its ability to prevent the generation of shadows. Through the effective use of the light guide plate, the lamp reflects and diffuses light evenly across the desk surface, ensuring that no shadows are created. This advancement significantly enhances users’ ability to read, write, and perform tasks that require precision or observation without the interference of shadows. Designers, engineers, and artists alike can benefit from this technology, as it offers an ideal lighting solution for activities such as drawing, painting, sewing, and assembling.
The lamp can also be adapted to different situations and preferences, making it suitable for various applications. For instance, it can provide uniform and optimal lighting for plant growth in smart farms or showcase artwork in galleries. In addition, it can create the best possible lighting conditions for complex procedures in operating rooms, benefiting surgeons and patients alike.
"I am proud to have developed this innovative technology and look forward to seeing its many applications in the years to come."
Mina credits her membership in IDSA for cultivating her design skills and expertise, stating, “As a former member of IDSA RISD in PR, I had the opportunity to gain invaluable lessons in teamwork and leadership. The experience underscored the significance of being an effective leader who can motivate and engage coworkers. The skills I acquired have been instrumental in my professional growth, allowing me to work seamlessly with colleagues towards accomplishing shared objectives. I am appreciative of the knowledge and expertise I acquired during this experience, which has helped me to become a more efficient team player and leader in my future endeavors.”
More about Mina
Mina Kim started her journey in the art and design field at Gyeonggi Arts High School in South Korea, and went on to earn a BFA in Industrial Design from Hongik University.
Currently, Mina is a full-time graduate student at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, where she is studying industrial design with a focus on innovation and social impact. Throughout her professional experience, Mina has worked on various design projects across multiple disciplines, ranging from virtual human concepts targeting Gen Z to promoting proper medication disposal through education in elementary schools. She has also contributed to projects promoting hydrogen energy and introducing a novel concept for a leather bag as a portable rest item.
As a designer, Mina is passionate about exploring various design disciplines such as UI/UX, Product, and Interaction design. Mina is excited to continue growing as a designer and contributing to the field by bringing fresh and innovative perspectives to design challenges. Learn more about her work at minakim.art.
