Revolutionizing Home Lighting: The Léon Interactive Light

Lewis Power's Award-Winning Design Transforms Lighting Experience

Léon is not just a light, but a sensory experience that allows users to manipulate lighting effects. This innovative design leaves behind the physical switch, instead employing two Time of Flight (TOF) sensors to control hue and brightness. Users simply raise and lower their hands over these sensors to determine the lighting effect. The intangible nature of light is mirrored in the switch's design, creating a seamless interaction between user and device.

Power's design was inspired by the observation of light cast through smoke and the way it can be manipulated when our hand passes through it. This concept was further developed when researching Léon Theramin, a Russian and Soviet inventor who created a musical instrument in 1919 that was hailed for creating "magical music out of air". This blend of tangible interaction with an intangible medium forms the foundation of Léon's interaction.

The Léon light is crafted from beech wood, chosen for its natural and minimal expression. The diffuser is made from Smash, a relatively new nonwoven material that forms under heat and retains shape when cooled. This material also has excellent light diffusing qualities. The design is 500mm wide, 180mm deep, and 1620mm high, making it a versatile addition to any space.

Despite facing challenges in building the electronics and coding the interaction, Power successfully created a seamless design. The project, which started in March 2016 at Northumbria University in Newcastle, was exhibited at New Designers in July 2016. The design has since been recognized with the Golden A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2017, a testament to its innovative and trendsetting nature.

Through Léon, Lewis Power has pushed the boundaries of home lighting, creating a design that not only illuminates a space but also engages the user in a unique sensory experience. This innovative approach to lighting design is a testament to the power of creativity and the potential for design to transform everyday experiences.