Lighting design has evolved far beyond simple switches and dimmers, yet most lamps still operate on the same basic premise: flip a switch, get light. This predictable relationship between user and object leaves little room for discovery, play, or the kind of tactile engagement that makes everyday interactions memorable and meaningful.
What makes the Tangent lamp by Ana Relvão and Gerhardt Kellermann particularly compelling is how it transforms the simple act of turning on a light into something far more engaging. This experimental piece from their RK Lab platform strips lighting down to three essential elements: a magnetic sphere, a block of oxidized steel, and a light filament that only illuminates when these components connect.
Designers: Ana Relvão, Gerhardt Kellermann
The interaction feels almost magical in its simplicity. When the magnetic sphere touches the oxidized steel block, the circuit completes and the filament lights up. But the real beauty lies in how your hand determines everything that happens next. You can position the sphere anywhere along the steel surface, creating different shapes, angles, and lighting moods with each movement.
The lamp’s visual language speaks to material honesty and minimalist principles. The sharp, angular geometry of the oxidized steel block creates a striking sculptural presence, while the raw industrial finish contrasts beautifully with the soft glow of the exposed filament. You get a piece that feels both architectural and intimate, changing its character completely based on how you choose to interact with it.
Of course, this kind of experimental thinking doesn’t happen by accident. Tangent emerges from RK Lab, Relvãokellermann’s dedicated space for questioning established typologies and exploring new forms of perception. The lamp embodies their philosophy that everyday objects can become sites of discovery when we challenge their conventional purposes and interactions.
The flexibility of the filament allows for endless variations in both function and form. You can create focused task lighting, ambient mood lighting, or sculptural accent pieces simply by repositioning the magnetic sphere. This adaptability transforms the lamp from a static object into a dynamic tool for creative expression and environmental control.
That said, the real innovation lies in how Tangent reframes our relationship with light itself. Instead of treating illumination as something we simply turn on or off, the lamp invites us to shape, mold, and play with light as a malleable medium. Each interaction becomes a small act of creation rather than mere consumption.
The Tangent lamp taps into something fundamental about how we connect with the objects around us. Rather than accepting the predetermined functions of everyday items, this approach invites exploration and personal expression. You can see how this kind of thinking might influence other product categories, encouraging designers to create objects that respond to human touch and intention in more meaningful ways.
The post Tangent is an Interactive Lamp That Redefines Our Relationship with Light first appeared on Yanko Design.