Midstream Lighting Blog

Designing Market-leading Luminaires

Written by Paolo Corno, Technical Director & Co-Founder | Jun 17, 2020 10:49:00 AM
When it comes to designing or commissioning new luminaires, there are plenty of technical challenges that can arise. That's why we turn to our Technical Director, Paolo Corno, for his expertise. With years of experience in delivering innovative lighting solutions, he's the industry expert we trust to answer all our burning questions.

 

PAOLO, WHAT ARE THE KEY THINGS YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN STARTING A NEW LIGHTING PROJECT?

 

The customer. The customer. The customer.

 

Different industries have unique requirements, and it's crucial to understand them to provide the right lighting solution. For instance, the lighting needs of an airport are miles apart from those of a sports stadium. It's important to work closely with the client to identify their specific needs and avoid providing a one-size-fits-all solution that may cause problems down the line.

 

Understanding the client's business constraints is crucial in delivering a successful lighting solution. If the budget is tight, it's important to find a way around it while still providing a solution that offers payback and reliability. For instance, we had a client with a limited budget, but a big problem. After factoring in payback and reliability compared to other traditional solutions, it was a no-brainer and they got approval for the project as planned.

 

After understanding the client's specific needs and business constraints, the next crucial step is to create a draft project specification that incorporates input from all relevant areas of the business. It's essential to obtain sign-off from all stakeholders to ensure a successful and unified project outcome.
 

WHAT TECHNICAL QUALITIES DO YOU THINK ARE KEY?

 

One of the most critical technical qualities when designing new luminaires is ensuring that the correct light distribution is delivered, all while staying within budget. At Midstream, we refer to this as 'efficiency through efficacy,' and it's a crucial aspect of any successful project. Failure to achieve this can be catastrophic.

 

In addition, it is crucial to consider the durability of the materials used, especially in harsh environments where corrosion can wreak havoc, such as ports.

 

Infrastructure costs are highly important too. For example, if it’s a retrofit job, you can keep costs down by designing a solution compact and light enough to go on existing masts.

 

It's essential to design a solution that is not only efficient and effective but also scalable and future-proof. By doing so, your client will be impressed with your foresight and reliability, and they will undoubtedly choose you as their preferred supplier for years to come.
 

WHAT TOOLS AND SOFTWARE DO YOU USE WHEN DESIGNING A NEW LUMINAIRE?

 

When it comes to designing new luminaires, having the right tools is crucial. At Midstream, we rely on a range of software, including DIALux, which is the go-to software for lighting design in over 25 languages. We also use 3D CAD, as well as thermal, optical, and lighting simulation tools, to ensure that we deliver the best possible solution for our clients. However, the most important tool we have is our team's expertise, which comes from years of experience in delivering innovative lighting solutions.

 

At Midstream, we believe that experience is key. Our team boasts a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making our brains our most valuable tool when it comes to designing new luminaires. As they say, two heads are better than one and with our team, we have more brains than anyone else out there.
 

WHO ARE YOUR KEY PLAYERS WHEN IT COMES TO DELIVERING A PROJECT?

 

At Midstream, we have a dedicated team of Product Developers who are committed to creating innovative solutions and improving existing products to meet diverse challenges.

 

Our designers work closely with them to bring these solutions to life, ensuring that they provide the correct lighting distribution and meet all project requirements.

 

Project managers play an essential role in keeping the project on track, ensuring it is delivered within budget, on time, and to specification.

 

Finally, our experienced production team delivers the finished product, providing valuable feedback on the overall solution and suggesting more efficient ways to manufacture the luminaires.

 

HOW AND WHEN SHOULD TESTING BE DONE?

 

Testing is a critical part of the luminaire design process, and at Midstream, we believe in testing at every stage. Our own facilities allow us to test prototypes and ensure they meet our high standards. To add to this, we also get all new lighting solutions approved by third-party organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories, Oxytec, and Nemko. This isn't just a good-to-have, it's a must-have for legal compliance. Remember, measure twice, cut once!
 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE MIDSTREAM TO DEVELOP AND LAUNCH A NEW PRODUCT?

 

The timeline for developing and launching a new luminaire can vary greatly depending on the product and team involved. At Midstream, our talented team allows for six months to create a completely new line and two months to repurpose an existing solution. Our experienced staff and innovative approach enable us to work efficiently and effectively, delivering quality solutions in a timely manner. In comparison, other providers may take significantly longer to complete the same task.

 

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WHEN DESIGNING NEW LUMINAIRES?

 

One of the most significant challenges in luminaire design is ensuring compliance with regulations, especially when introducing a product to a new market. With our extensive experience working globally, Midstream has perfected the art of navigating these regulations to deliver compliant and successful lighting solutions.