My thesis analyses contemporary objects and installations with respect to their effect: how do they elicit an emotional response through visual and technical solutions? I investigated the patterns of evoking emotional reactions, as well as the contextual factors of impressions. Through the use of case studies I attempted to understand why and how design affects us. My research introduced me to the related concepts of emotional design, collectible design, and unruly design. Taking this newfound knowledge into account, I identified a narrow area on the border between art and design, where poetry and functionality meet. I defined the concept of non-trivial design in order to clarify this area further. After establishing the theoretical concepts, I posited and examined four hypotheses concerning light fixture design. As a starting point, I created a framework within which I collected a large number of sample inspired by the design canon. I categorised the collected samples and proceeded to analyse them through case studies, in light of the hypotheses. I found that it is possible to achieve a high emotional charge while maintaining the basic function of the light fixture, and not only in the case of autonomous art. I also learned that with non-trivial lights (as opposed to autonomous works of art) familiarity with the context seems to matter less in terms of evoking emotions. It came as a surprise that innovative engineering solutions are not very well known in non-trivial light design circles. At the same time I managed to confirm that poetic tools can be applied repeatedly in a design context. This learning, consciously applied in design work, will offer inspiration and a fresh perspective in my own work, and perhaps for other designers as well.