Projects
How ZOZO NEXT's "Afterglow" Lampshade Landed a Spot at "SaloneSatellite 2025," the Premier Showcase for Up-and-Coming Designers
"Afterglow," a prototype lampshade crafted with a thermochromic material that changes color with heat, was developed by the research team at ZOZO NEXT. This exquisite product was showcased at the "SaloneSatellite 2025" in Milan, Italy—an internationally renowned launchpad for designers under 35.
We sat down with Michika Saji, the designer from the Product Engineering team behind "Afterglow," and Motoki Takano, the team's Lead who supported the exhibition, to get the inside story on its development and journey to Milan.
PROFILE
Michika Saji
After studying industrial design in college, Michika Saji joined the IoT/Textile Dept. at ZOZO NEXT, Inc. as a designer in 2021. She currently focuses on prototyping textiles and related products, as well as designing and developing new experiences that use textiles as a medium.
PROFILE
Motoki Takano
Lead of the Product Engineering team and a device engineer. Motoki Takano joined ZOZO NEXT, Inc. in 2022. Within the IoT/Textile Dept., he is involved in the research and development of new core technologies for smart textiles and devices, as well as new business development. His primary responsibilities include circuit and enclosure design, and hardware/software implementation.
It All Started with Developing a Color-changing Textile
First, could you tell us what sparked the idea for "Afterglow"?
SajiThe idea for "Afterglow" emerged from an exploration of the delicate interplay between light, material, and color. I was especially captivated by the color-shifting properties of thermochromic materials. The way the colors gently and cyclically change with the temperature reminded me of the natural flow of time, like the changing seasons or the cycle of day and night.
As I explored the potential for this kind of ever-changing expression that resonates with natural rhythms, I wanted to create a form of lighting that inspires a moment of calm—something that makes you want to pause and take a deep breath as you watch the colors shift like a sunset.
How exactly does the color-changing mechanism work, and what is the transformation like?
SajiThe "Afterglow" lampshade is made with a custom-designed thermochromic yarn that changes color with temperature. We finely tuned the yarn to shift colors at specific temperatures. For this piece, our goal was to capture the shifting hues of a sunset by creating a transition from blue to pink.
When the lamp is turned on, the incandescent bulb emits both light and heat. As the heat transfers to the lampshade, the colors begin to gradually transform.
To create a gradient of light reminiscent of a sunset, the shade's structure is elongated with soft curves. This design ensures that the distance from the light source varies, which in turn creates an uneven distribution of heat and a beautiful, gradual color shift.
What were some of the challenges you faced when bringing this idea to life as a product?
SajiUsing an incandescent bulb was a major challenge because of the significant amount of heat it produces. Since the thermochromic material is a textile, there was a risk of heat-induced wrinkling and warping, which could have compromised the aesthetic of the final product.
Balancing the visual appeal of the color change with the structural integrity of the lampshade was another hurdle. To preserve the textile's natural beauty, we avoided complex patterns, seams, and patchwork, focusing instead on maintaining the continuity of the design.
Additionally, as this was my first time designing a light fixture, I quickly learned that even the slightest surface imperfection becomes highly visible when light shines through the fabric. This meant we had to be meticulous about the finish and precision.
A First-Time International Exhibition & a New Role as Product Manager
What inspired you to submit "Afterglow" to SaloneSatellite at the Salone del Mobile.Milano?
SajiIt stemmed from a simple curiosity to see how "Afterglow" would be received outside of Japan. The thermochromic element is quite unique, and I was eager to see how it would resonate with people at an event like "SaloneSatellite," which brings together such a diverse range of design perspectives.
The application process itself also turned out to be a great catalyst for pushing the "Afterglow" project even further, which was a wonderful outcome.
TakanoOur Product Engineering team decided to exhibit at "SaloneSatellite," a major hub for designers and architects, to gather real-time reactions and feedback on our product. Our other big goal was to expand our international network of designers.
Plus, "SaloneSatellite" is a huge launching pad for up-and-coming designers, so we saw it as a fantastic and meaningful chance for our own young talent to step up and challenge themselves.
I'm sure there was a selection process to get a spot. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced getting through that?
SajiFor the application, we needed to submit photos of past prototypes. The thing is, I had just finished developing the thermochromic yarn, but it hadn't been woven into fabric yet.
To hit the deadline, I had to hand-weave five meters of this fine yarn myself—a really painstaking process. It was physically tough, but I felt it was a vital step to show off the material's potential back then.
What was on your mind during the preparation phase? Did you take that time to refine the product even further?
SajiThe prep period was a delicate balancing act. I was juggling administrative tasks like logistics, contracts, and booth design while also putting the finishing touches on the product. The lampshade frame is CNC-milled, so I had to keep a very close eye on the prototyping schedule.
The final shape of the piece was guided by production limitations and what we learned from earlier prototypes, so this time was all about careful planning and polishing the product to perfection.
TakanoTo help visitors connect with the work more, we made some creative additions, like a custom textile booth sign and a display of various other fabric samples alongside the main piece.
We consciously designed the entire exhibit to communicate that our work is deeply rooted in textile-focused development.
This "Arena of Challenge" Proved to Be a Priceless Learning Opportunity
What were your biggest takeaways from exhibiting at "SaloneSatellite"?
SajiWhen you're deep in a project for a long time, it's easy to lose perspective and that initial spark. So, having the design community see and appreciate the work for what it is was incredibly encouraging and reassuring. Watching people see the piece for the first time and come up with their own interpretations was just a fantastic experience.
Meeting the other exhibitors and sharing that feeling of both courage and vulnerability in presenting our work was amazing. It was so inspiring to be in a culture where open discussions, constructive feedback, and mutual support are just part of the fabric.
It was a powerful reminder that design isn't just about making objects—it's about people, connection, and the challenges we share.
TakanoWe also set up a dynamic sample next to the main piece—fabric bonded to a heater in a frame—to show the material in action. One of my favorite moments was watching a child come up, touch the sample without a second thought, and just light up with amazed delight as their body heat changed its color.
It's true for any exhibition, really, but everyone brings their own perspective. It drove home how precious these opportunities are. Getting those face-to-face reactions helps you see your own work through fresh eyes, uncovering feelings and viewpoints you might miss when you're too close to it.
Could you share anything about your future plans or the next products you're thinking about?
SajiRight now, "Afterglow" uses an incandescent bulb for the exhibition version. It's ideal because it heats up fast, which makes the thermochromic color change really pop.
But incandescent bulbs aren't very energy-efficient and generate a lot of heat, which poses practical problems. So, we're now working on redesigning the shape to work with an LED bulb, allowing for a more gradual color change over a longer time.
Our goal is to improve its sustainability, safety, and make it easier for users to replace the bulb, all while preserving the transformative beauty of the piece.
TakanoOur Product Engineering team is gearing up to advance the development of "Afterglow," with our sights set on small-batch mass production.
While the current mechanism, which uses heat from incandescent bulbs to change color, works well with the existing materials, a switch to LEDs is inevitable. This is driven by the need for better energy efficiency and safety, not to mention that LEDs now dominate the market.
That's why we're currently redesigning the material and structure to align with the heating properties of LEDs. Our goal is to maintain the signature gentle color shift while optimizing heat generation and dissipation.
We're also branching out with new shapes and structures, exploring a variety of sizes and forms for different spaces and uses. Plus, we're thinking about designs that are easy to assemble and ship. Aesthetically, we aim to enhance its beauty by capitalizing on the material's physical qualities, like its tension and light-diffusing properties.
"Afterglow" already earned high praise at SaloneSatellite 2025. With ongoing refinements, it's sure to become even more precise and versatile. We can't wait to see this "unfinished" masterpiece, brimming with potential, finally hit the market.
Text by Yasuyuki Ushijima (NO-TECH)
How was the article?
Share
Related Articles
.jpg?w=600&fm=webp&dpr=2)
