Steven Bennett developed the Open Task Light, inspired by Dyson’s articulated desk lamp. The project, whose prototype was unveiled in 2023, was developed step by step in terms of its mechanism, electronics and manufacturing over a 15-part video series.
The lamp features aluminum rails, concealed circuit connections and a heat pipe; the ESP32 communicates with a custom driver that powers the Cree high-CRI LED. The product, which offers free-standing or desk-clamped base options, costs less than half the price of the lamp that inspired it. The design files and assembly guide were published on Steven Bennett’s GitHub page.
Why it matters
The project transforms desk lamp design from a closed commercial product into a study in which electronic, mechanical and manufacturing decisions can be examined. In this respect, it is particularly significant for those who want to develop their own devices, people interested in open-source hardware, and users weighing cost against functionality. Elements such as aluminum rails, concealed connections and a heat pipe show that, in lighting products, internal design and thermal management can be as decisive as appearance. However, the extent to which the files and assembly guide can be implemented using the manufacturing capabilities available to different users remains an open question that will determine the project’s accessibility.