Orange compact futuristic electric car with black roof and unique hexagonal wheels parked on a city street.

SunStalk

A unique indoor lighting and mobility solution designed for the elderly.

The Elderly Who Live Alone

As the global population rapidly ages roughly 24% of adults over 65, and nearly 20% of all seniors, rely on mobility devices like canes or walkers to navigate daily life. On top of this, approximately 27% of older adults live entirely alone, a number that rises to nearly 50% among women over 75.
Without nearby, able-bodied support, routine daily tasks and fall hazards can quickly escalate into injuries, isolation, or medical emergencies. These hazards are only increased at night time, when lighting is lacking.

Interior view of two cream-colored car seats with a foldable table between them and large side windows.

My Grandparents

My grandfather uses a cane, often complaining about its cheap plastic and metal design and the prohibitive cost of a quality wooden one. At home, his frustration only grew as the unwieldy stick constantly fell over when rested against furniture, a hazard compounded by his failing eyesight at night. Ultimately, he just wants a thoughtfully designed walking stick that makes living comfortable and safe.

Interior view of two cream-colored car seats with a foldable table between them and large side windows.

40%

of older adults use a mobility aid

Interior view of two cream-colored car seats with a foldable table between them and large side windows.

60%

of people with bad vision are over 60

The solution I chose, is combining the funcionality of a floor lamp with a walking stick.

Sketches of various gardening tools including stakes, pruners, and hand rakes on a neutral background.
Concept sketches of a tall, modern lamp with various top views and a human figure for scale.
Concept sketches of a tall lamp design and dome-shaped light emitting devices with cross-sectional views.

Mock-Ups

3D Form Development

Modern mushroom-shaped lamp with circular LED light ring in a blurred room with windows and chairs.Smooth, rounded white object with a central hole, resting on a wooden surface.Minimalist white floor lamp with a rounded top on wood floor and plain gray background.Close-up of a modern metallic lamp base with a glowing ring on a wooden floor by a wall.Minimalist modern street lamp with glowing ring under dome-shaped top on a beige background.Base of a modern white lamp on a wood surface with a glowing ring of light around the bottom edge.

Features

A light bulb icon emitting rays with arrows pointing to a smaller light bulb.

Automatic Lighting System

The SunStalk has a built in lighting system that automatically lights up in low light environments. The light can also be switched off manually by twisting the cap, eliminating fiddly switches that can be hard to locate.

Diagram showing wireless induction charging with power flowing from pad coil to phone coil over air gap.

Induction Charging

The SunStalk sits in base stations that the user can place around the house in specific locations such as the bedside and dinner table. These stations provide inductive charging for the SunStalk while also being a place for the SunStalk to sit in comfortably.

Physical Prototype

Light up the world with SunStalk

Modern floor lamp with round base and dome-shaped light beside a wooden bed with pillows at night.