Human-centric Smart Lighting
How might we make lighting in shared indoor spaces effortless for users, and valuable for operators — without adding cost or complexity?
About Gewiss: Innovating with purpose
GEWISS is a global leader in home and building automation, energy distribution, and smart lighting. Recently expanded through the acquisition of Beghelli, Performance in Lighting, and Tvilight, the group has formed GEWISS LightZone—an ecosystem where technology, design, and human well-being converge.
Innovation is our core. We don’t just follow trends; we anticipate future needs to make energy safer and more intelligent across all environments—from hospitals and offices to stadiums and cities.
The Problem: Lighting Friction in Shared Spaces
Modern indoor spaces—coworking hubs, libraries, and hybrid offices—constantly shift between deep work, meetings, and events. While lighting is vital for focus and comfort, it often fails in shared environments because:
- Social Friction: Users worry about annoying others or “breaking” the system.
- Complexity: Most systems require complex apps or have confusing physical controls.
- Operational Burden: Managers face high installation costs, “switch clutter,” and endless support tickets.
The result? Lighting is either ignored or becomes a source of frustration rather than a tool for productivity.
The Opportunity: Smart Lighting as an Experience
Smart lighting should be more than “dimming via an app.” When designed well, it becomes an invisible layer of support that:
- Adapts to Activity: Seamlessly shifts between “Focus,” “Meeting,” and “Presentation” modes.
- Provides Cues: Uses light for orientation and coordination within a room.
- Optimizes Energy: Saves power without compromising user comfort.
- Simplifies Maintenance: Offers clear diagnostics for building managers.
How might we…
How might we make lighting in shared indoor spaces effortless for users, and valuable for operators — without adding cost or complexity?
We are looking for a tangible technical solution, not just a concept. Your solution must minimize barriers to entry (e.g., web-based access instead of mandatory app downloads) and remain realistic for large-scale installation.
What We Expect from Teams
- Design a System: Create a smart lighting experience that is easy to install, commission, and maintain.
- Unlock Value: Explore how intuitive, “shareable” light creates new benefits for installers and managers.
- Prototype Real Logic: GEWISS will provide “example lights” and starter code so you can build functional control logic.
Exploration Areas
Feel free to explore diverse interaction patterns, such as:
- Visual Interfaces: Low-friction web UIs.
- Alternative Inputs: Voice, physical gestures, or “Light-as-Interface” (where the luminaires provide feedback).
Find Your Angle: Key Perspectives
- The End User: How can they personalize light in a space they don’t own without creating conflict?
- The Installer: How can we reduce wiring and physical switches while improving the experience?
- The Building Manager: How can we maintain governance and optimize energy without “surveilling” users?
Prize
To be announced soon.
