TANGIBLE LIGHTING CONTROLS-A FRAMEWORK FOR IMPROVING THE INTERACTIVITY AND USABILITY OF LIGHTING CONTROL INTERFACES

摘要

Building use studies conclude that the mere perception of having control increases user satisfaction i.e. giving end-users a level of control becomes imperative in the provision of "quality lighting." The IESNA Lighting Handbook states that lighting controls in buildings are installed to provide end-users with aesthetic and energy management control over the electric lighting system. This research however goes a step further in exploring the phenomenon of end-user interaction with lit spaces through lighting controls. In this study of user-controlled interactive electric lighting, focus will be on personalised control. While in theory there is a general agreement about the benefits of personal controls, practice demonstrates difficulty in embracing and consistently using them. Studies reveal that an expensive, well-planned lighting control system may be turned off, or users do not know how to use it. The complexity of modern control interfaces is cited as one of the reasons for the reduced acceptability and usability of lighting control systems. As new interfaces emerge for personalised lighting control, formal user studies are needed to evaluate their interactivity and usability, which in turn relies on their affordance. The research presents a framework and key characteristics for developing interactive and user-friendly lighting control interfaces.