The Development of a Decorative Luminaire

This master thesis was conducted in collaboration with ateljé Lyktan and aimed to develop a concept for a decorative luminaire for public indoor environments, based on an already established design concept. The objective was to create an alternative to the recessed LED panel commonly used in ceiling grid systems, which often lack aesthetic character and fail to provide lighting that meets visual ergonomic principles. The proposed solution sought to deliver visually healthy light and a positive aesthetic expression, functioning in both recessed and pendant configurations. The project followed a design process based on the Double Diamond method, Ulrich and Eppinger’s product development methodology, and ateljé Lyktan’s design philosophy. Product requirements were defined through a stakeholder analysis, which provided insight into the luminaire's life cycle. In addition, interviews with assemblers, a market analysis, and discussions with ateljé Lyktan’s sales representative were conducted to identify challenges related to manufacturing, installation, and market positioning. An iterative development process was applied throughout the project, including idea generation, literature studies, and prototyping at various stages. These methods were essential for testing concepts, evaluating technical feasibility, and gaining insight into standards and regulations for the luminaire’s components. A full-scale, functional, high-fidelity prototype was constructed to demonstrate the luminaire in a recessed state. This allowed testing of key lighting parameters and evaluation of the luminaire’s aesthetic contribution to its surroundings. Material selection and construction development were approached with second life principles, industrial production, and compliance with regulations and standards in mind. The result of the project was a CAD-based prototype over the luminaire with realistic potential for further industrial development.