Design Case Study- Architectural Modular Lighting Fixture

My Role: End-to-end Industrial Design, concept visualization & prototyping, CAD development, DFM implementation

Developed during my tenure with Philips Color Kinetics, this program focused on the industrial design and engineering integration of the iColor Accent Compact—a high-performance, direct-view linear LED luminaire engineered for architectural facade lighting. Working within a highly technical framework, I served as the primary design support, owning the end-to-end CAD development, iterative sketch concepting, and functional prototyping. The design required balancing strict thermal management, environmental sealing, and DFM constraints with a major focus on installation usability. I meticulously developed the housing architecture and mounting semantics to streamline the assembly process and optimize the on-site user experience for installers working in complex, high-altitude, or hazardous architectural environments. The final, highly resolved modular fixture successfully transitioned into global production, serving as a durable, specification-grade lighting asset.

During my co-operative education semester with Philips Color Kinetics, I had the privilege of playing key role in the design of the iColor Accent Compact direct view luminaire. These architectural lighting fixtures are Philips latest, most compact direct view pixel lighting system. Our design team worked to develop the mounting and housing system to ensure smooth and safe installations on skyscrapers, bridges, and other architectural facades.

MOUNTING CONCEPT IDEATION

This new lighting system would be installed in long linear stretches of buildings, structures, and facades. It was important for us to consider the actual installers of the lights, keeping in mind how they would be able to mount, maneuver, and connect each individual light within the larger system. The greatest challenge was the need for the new system to allow for front and rear installation. This led us to the concept of having custom” mounting plates for each style of installation.

3D PRINTED PROTOTYPES

During the ideation process, we regularly 3D printed concepts to test, feel, and evaluate the design

FINAL CONCEPT RENDERS

THE iCOLOR ACCENT COMPACT

High-resolution media direct-view linear LED luminaire with intelligent color light