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Searching for Useful Lighting Design Software: Developing Technical Specifications Based on Real Needs
Nils SvendeniusDept of Physics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 14 S-223 63 Lund, Sweden Peter Pertola PELK AB, Drottninggatan 71 C, S-111 36 Stockholm Sweden Abstract This paper is an overview of the development of technical specifications for user-friendly software to support designers of energy-efficient lighting environments adapted to human needs. The aim of the project was to show software developers what demanding users should expect from good PC-based programs. Input from a skilled lighting designer is crucial to developing an energy-efficient lighting installation of high ergonomic and aesthetic quality. In addition, computer software for lighting design and calculation can provide valuable help in all phases of the design and planning process. However, a market study done in a large number of countries concluded that no PC-based lighting design software today fulfilled all the requirements expected of a demanding user. Such a program must be a user-friendly, accurate, versatile and fast aid in designing good and energy-efficient lighting. Moreover, today's programs generally only operate within the limited framework of a single manufacturer's existing products. Two computer programs - lumen Micro and Adeline (a program package) were found to have the potential to become very useful in the next few years.
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