Using lighting to improve end user experience

Lighting plays a vital role in how people interact with spaces. Used cleverly, lighting helps homeowners carry out tasks; it makes them feel a certain mood; it creates different atmospheres and settings.

This is because our brains are actually tuned to appreciate the how the spaces we inhibit make us feel[1], and as such, those designing and building homes for the families of today and into the future, should place significant focus on the planning, design and delivery of lighting, considering how it will impact the occupiers’ experience within the space.

When it comes to lighting, it is imperative to strike a balance between function, style and sustainability. We no longer need to use lighting to define how a room is used; we can be flexible, using lighting in a creative and versatile way so the user is free to change the look and ambience for different occasions. Furthermore, advances in technology mean lighting designs, more so than ever before, can be considerate of energy efficiency standards and consumer preferences when it comes to going green.

For architects and contractors, modern LED lighting is providing the perfect solution to meet modern day lighting requirements. Known for its minimal heat build-up and long operating life, LED lighting is a sustainable option that is so small in size it can be integrated into furniture, allowing for contemporary design that doesn’t infringe on space.

Solutions such as Loox by Häfele also offer additional flexibility and creativity, meaning lighting can be used to create different atmospheres. Its colour coded plug-and-play system means installers can plug it directly into the wall or hard wire it into a larger lighting system. This removes the need for an electrician and because users can manage the system via an app available for smartphones and tablets, they can change the lighting to suit a certain occasion or create a certain mood.

For specifiers looking to reduce waste and make additional efficiencies on site, particularly during the delivery of larger projects, Loox is supported by Häfele's bespoke packing, assembling and labelling service.

Häfele to Order enables contractors to save time, cut costs and avoid mistakes when ordering traditionally long items – such as lighting strips. It has been created to support those who need multiple cuts of a bespoke size, or specific amounts of products packaged together and clearly labelled for use across multiple areas or sites. Overall, it helps specifiers by making it easier than ever for them to order the exact size, quantity and finish of products they need.

Häfele is one of the biggest suppliers of furniture lighting solutions in the industry, and its Häfele Connect range of smart products offers new, surprising possibilities for lighting solutions. The Loox range fulfils strict worldwide quality criteria and is designed to have a long service life, while Häfele to Order requires no minimum order size, making it perfect for those working on smaller or larger projects. For more information, please contact Häfele or email hafeletoorder@hafele.co.uk for specific Häfele to Order requests.

[1] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170605-the-psychology-behind-your-citys-design