Seeing that pervasive computing would give superpowers to mundane lights and lighting controls, Advance (part of Philips Electronics) developed pioneering wireless ballasts to spark that transformation. With lights, switches, and sensors that communicate with each other wirelessly, systems could be commissioned in a fraction of the time and operated in precise, yet radically flexible, new ways. Wanting to claim new territory at Lightfair International, they asked how they could get their disruptive technology out in the world in a way that proves its value, while gauging customer interest.
User Studies
To help Philips figure out how to design and demonstrate an unusual and entirely new type of lighting technology, MAYA went straight to the people who would use it and influence purchasing decisions. Our study of, and interviews with, electrical engineers, architects, facility managers, and light-system installers in their own familiar environments yielded some “a-ha” moments for Philips as well as opportunities.
Prototyping
Equipped with Philips-designed technology that was the first of its kind anywhere in the worked and using our findings from contextual inquiry with electricians, engineers, and architects, MAYA closely collaborated with engineers at Philips to rapidly prototype a real, fully functioning product. In MAYA’s design lab, we even constructed an “office” that we could control as we developed, tested, and refined the product interface.
User Interface
The user interface that we developed for Philips addresses the entire commissioning process:
- Prepare: Import, draw, or scan a floor plan of the work site, then overlay a visualization of the network topology/propagation.
- Map: Find and identify devices (e.g., switches/sensors) In the workspace.
- Organize: Group devices (e.g., by function/location) in malleable sets.
- Configure: Test and set functions and schedules.
- Operate: Control, monitor, and maintain the lighting system.
Results
The information-centric interface gives users powerful control over the lighting system without overwhelming them with complex controls or large volumes of data. Making organization, configuration, and operation changes becomes something non-specialists can do with a software interface, rather than requiring reprogramming by technicians or rewiring by electricians.
Through a user-centered approach and information-centered design, we created an interactive, fully functioning lighting-system concept that Phillips has used to: stake a claim, get a reaction at Lightfair International, and prioritize what to do next.