BEAM gets featured!
BEAM gets featured!
Lighting Solution to Enhance Productivity and Video Calls
We are proud to unveil our recent work for BEAM has featured on Core77 and on Dexigner!
See their thoughts on the project:
Recent social changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a significant increase in video calling and conferencing – which many people are finding exhausting.
We decided to try and find a solution.
With a lack of direct eye contact, video calling makes us work harder to process non-verbal cues like facial expressions, the tone and pitch of the voice, and body language. Paying more attention to these consumes a lot of energy, and we have found that poor lighting only exacerbates the problem; it impacts the quality of communication, the sense of connection, and can be very mentally exhausting.
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as moving the reading lamp a little closer. Good quality video call lighting needs to illuminate your face evenly, with the right tone and brightness, wherever you are. The type of light also plays an important role in improving your home working environment. Full-spectrum daylight bulbs are proven to improve mood, productivity and mental awareness and can treat Seasonal….
Frequently Asked Questions
How can lighting improve video calls and remote working?
Good lighting improves video calls by illuminating the face evenly, improving eye contact, and reducing visual strain. This leads to clearer communication, less cognitive fatigue, and a stronger sense of connection during remote meetings.
Why does poor lighting make video calls so tiring?
Poor lighting forces the brain to work harder to interpret facial expressions and non-verbal cues. This increases mental effort and fatigue, especially during long or frequent video calls.
What makes lighting suitable for video conferencing?
Effective video conferencing lighting provides even facial illumination, correct colour temperature, and appropriate brightness regardless of room conditions. It should be easy to position and adapt to different home or work environments.
How does human-centred design influence lighting products?
Human-centred design focuses on how people actually behave and feel in real situations. In lighting products, this means designing for comfort, mood, productivity, and ease of use—not just technical performance.
Can lighting products really improve productivity and wellbeing?
Yes. Research shows that full-spectrum or daylight-balanced lighting can improve mood, alertness, and mental performance. When designed correctly, lighting products can support wellbeing as well as task performance.
What challenges are involved in designing lighting hardware for home use?
Key challenges include balancing performance with aesthetics, ensuring ease of setup, managing heat and power consumption, and designing products that work across a wide range of home environments.
How does a product design consultancy approach lighting product development?
A product design consultancy combines user research, industrial design, prototyping, and manufacturing insight to ensure lighting products are desirable, usable, and commercially viable at scale.
Why is BEAM an example of design-led innovation?
BEAM addresses a real, emerging problem—video call fatigue—by combining behavioural insight, lighting science, and thoughtful product design. Its recognition by Core77 and Dexigner highlights its design quality and relevance.
Can a design agency help take a lighting product from idea to market?
Yes. An experienced product design agency can support lighting products from early concept and validation through detailed design, prototyping, Design for Manufacture (DFM), and production readiness.
When should I hire a product design consultancy for a hardware product?
The best time to hire a product design consultancy is early, before technical and manufacturing decisions are fixed. Early involvement reduces risk and leads to better commercial outcomes.
