Visitors using Lumie Desklamp, a bright light that uses low energy LEDs, were invited to provide feedback on their experience. 85% of respondents gave overall positive feedback ranging from “I would get one now” to “AMAZING”. 77% thought Lumie Desklamp helped them to feel more alert and 73% that it boosted their concentration. Users were also asked to describe their levels of productivity and alertness on the day they used Desklamp and 81% rated these as good or very good. As a result of this positive feedback, Lumie is now donating the lights permanently to Cambridge University Library.
Over 40 Lumie Desklamps, which use low energy LEDs, are in place on study tables mainly on the north and therefore darker side of the Library to help students and researchers stay focused and alert while they study. In addition, Lumie Brightspark, another bright light from the Lumie product range, is positioned in the Staff Tea Room to give employees a welcome boost as they relax in their break times.
Lumie has been designing and developing its light therapy products for nearly 25 years and was the first to invent a wake-up light in the early 90s. Now the Lumie Bodyclock range of wake-up lights is very popular with those needing help to improve their sleep and/or getting up in the morning, especially in the dark winter months. Lumie’s bright light boxes have long since been an established treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and winter blues sufferers but now more and more people are using them for general well-being and for beating energy slumps throughout the day, especially if they work in a poorly lit environment.
“Cambridge University Library is delighted the Lumie bright lights are to continue to help our visitors be more alert and better able to concentrate. This innovative project is a brilliant example of the creative power of light in our lives which is what the e-Luminate Cambridge Festival is all about.”
Marjolein Allen, Head of Reader Services, Cambridge University Library
“This project illustrates the power of bright light to boost levels of alertness and concentration, particularly in the darker winter months and less well-lit work spaces. Now Lumie Desklamp is a permanent fixture at Cambridge University Library, we hope many more students will be able to realise the benefits of light therapy for themselves. e-Luminate Cambridge is playing a valuable role in encouraging this kind of innovative collaboration between old and new in our city; we look forward to seeing where it takes us in 2017.”
Jonathan Cridland, CEO, Lumie
“Light can be used at any time of day to acutely boost our mood, alertness and performance. This could include going outside to receive natural light or using a light box at your desk or in your home. Simply using a bright light box device 15-30 min will have a positive effect.”
Dr Victoria Revell, Circadian Rhythm Expert, Surrey University.
User quotes:
“AMAZING! This lamp vastly improves my energy and concentration in the dead of winter. Who would have thought light is so powerful?” Orla
“Extra light always helps! This is a really nice lamp – like daylight.” Fern Horsfield-Schonhut, Modern Languages Undergraduate
“Daylight quality of light really helped with alertness on a winter evening. Brightness good for concentration – so much better than the old lamps.” Dr Alyson Tapp, Lecturer in Russian Literature
“The bright light helps me to concentrate and focus on my reading without getting tired.” Alice Mottram, English Undergraduate