The lIGHTPIN
SOLAr PEG

Organization: République Beirut
Role: Design Lead

OVERVIEW

The LightPin is a project carried out by République Beirut for Unilever/OMO. It aimed to bring power to low income areas through innovation. The LightPin is the world's first solar connected clothespin. It was tested in refugee camps around Lebanon with the goal of replacing deadly alternatives to electricity, such kerosene lamps, and candles. As the team's product designer, I deployed user research in order to fabricate a familiar object with tremendous new potential.

THE PROCESS

LightPin was designed to be both a solar power source but also a functional clothespin. This design served two purposes, both of which were revealed through user research. First, the clothespin is practical and familiar, which makes it easy to integrate into people's everyday routines. Second, the clothspin form is compact, which is necessary given the limited space in many refugee camps. The challenge, however, was to store enough energy in such a small devise to light up an LED lamp the entire night. Based on the availability of materials and in tune with production methods in Lebanon, we introduced two batteries, one inside each clip connected to a single USB outlet. The 2 solar panels on each side sends energy to the respective batteries and once battery is depleted on one side, the power moves to the second.

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

During a prototyping phase, LightPin was integrated into the daily lives of refugees in several camps around Lebanon. The feedback was enthusiastic. Users loved the fact that the Light Pin doen't come with a handbook or complicated instructions; you simply do your laundry during the day and bring it into your home at night. That simple provides households with necessary light each night.

RECOGNITION

> Silver Award in Design for Well-being, Environmental
Impact & Solutions, Dubai Lynx 2018

> Shortlisted at Cannes Lions 2018