LED light product rules and selection

LED light product selection rules and concepts before approval for inclusion to this website.

Product should have a story potential or one better...

If it can be pinned to a kind of inspiration story board that is somehow related to innovative lighting up, or saving energy, or just having some wild fun -- it will likely be a winner!

In particular, I look for new use of space or a spatial element. I can't help my training as a designer just comes back here, so I regard clever use of interface in space a spatial element. Go figure ...

Naturally, there is of course an even better scenario: when several products can interplay and become the 'characters' of a product story board.

Examle? A PC mug with an OLED e-Newspaper.

Yep, something exactly like that. Except that is taken, I already came up with that combo just now;-)

Of course, when the flight of fancy comes - and sometime it does - we will use similar rules for may be coming up with some new concepts of our own. You never say never, right? ...

Ok, I love clever products, I truly do. And am reasonably good at picking them out.
But I will try to review and recommend only the very TOP of top.

Ok, now here's a problem right there:

The Stumbling Block

How do I define what is top? ...

First, it should be something that makes some kind of difference. But what kind of difference? I looked it up and found that what I am looking for marketeers call disruptive or transformational.

But it's get better. Because there is actually a difference between the two differences: - According to Richard Caro of Tangiblefuture what is disruptive should satisfy a new perceived need (something we think the market already needs.) However, a transformational thing also causes a permanent irreversible change.

There is a third type of difference, sustainining innovation, which is offering a product to an estabished market with better performance than others do.

----------As an aside
In terms of marketability, disruptive technology should also envelop - or embed - an acceptable price policy. Sustaining innovation ususally matches competitors prices or price policy.
----------

Update (mid 2008):
That's it, I was focussing to much on the technical side and didn't let other emergent qualities to emerge. But as of today, I add a new emphasis - Human. Everyday, banal. I am beginning to be flooded by so much good stuff there, it's not funny ;-).

And I am interested in products that can make up their own stories. Or one better: ones that can generate and inspire stories that you or I would enjoy.

And here is my hunch: if a disruptive product can generate exciting stories that delight you or make you think or both -- then that product is a perfect candidate to be transformational.

So why I need these product rules again?

If ever I want to make some consistent selection or just have my own product ideas evaluated at some point I need to have rules. That's it. I'll settle on this one. It will help to keep my eye on the ball.

'Naf said, here come the rules ...
(I created them late 2005/2006, and updated as above 2008)

The Process

LED light product Rules of LEDlightenment (ROL) 

For a LED product I like these rules will apply to select the best…

ROL #1: Size Ain't Matter (SAM!)
SAM! is truly important. Just like in real life - smarts live in the 4th dimension - performance. The other 3 dimensions are not that crucial. Design can always be improved if the performance is there.

ROL #2: Should Know That Product.
Should find enough reviews from other users. Should be able to learn from other's experiences: - Grab it with both hands if folks are kind enough to share it. Take it with a grain of salt. 

ROL #3: Think Holistic.
Light is holistic (it is both body and energy). The very best of LED lighting should be able to capture some aspect of that wholeness.

Rules to Evaluate and Rate - or invent - new Product (RIP)

They should give something unique, something fun in these categories:

• Use
• Assembly
• Effect
  

Next, the concept of products should fit these set of rules …

RIP A: Design should be User friendly and practical.
Should think inside the box. Must put one and two together. Should be user friendly and it should absoultely - WORK.

RIP B: Concept should be Illogical in some way.
Should make you think outside the box. Should be imaginative, unusual and above all - inspirational.

That's it.

These are my 2 x 3 LED light Product Rules.

And product storyboarding will be the communication of the inspirational stories with you. I have a vague idea there. It will involve some kind of forum, uploads etc, but haven't quite worked it out yet. Well, there's always something for tomorrow.

Now all is left are some own examples:

My LED invention products for lights from LED
This is for committment-phobics who find it hard to decide. Check out how my dating candle and other bright stuff works. Or look for this sign on any page. They are coming unstoppably.

Regrets? I had a few ...

---

Related Articles, Resources, Products:
Get your fill of organic LED inspiration (OLED)

Or one better, here comes the LED game concepts

Imaginative thoughts, videos and some creative action: - Check out our inspiration story board

Richard Caro elaborates much better then I ever could on the value of disruptive innovation
http://www.tangiblefuture.com/library/Tangiblelessons.pdf




Return to top

---

---