This project explores how smart luminaire and colour methodology can impact human emotions, connecting a mobile app with a physical mood light to relieve stress through guided mindfulness breathing.
LUMA bridges digital mindfulness and physical space. By transform breathing rhythms into gentle, low-saturation light, it creates a tactile sensory that guides users back to emotional balance.
8 Weeks
Figma, FigJam, Generative AI
Research & UI Design
Driven by evidence-based research and competitive market analysis, LUMA explores mindfulness-driven design. The process integrates physical luminaire design with digital app interactions, helping users alleviate daily stress through guided light and breathing.
In today's fast-paced society, chronic stress and anxiety have reached unprecedented levels. According to WHO (2022), global rates of anxiety surged by 25% following the COVID-19 pandemic, with Gallup reporting that over 37% of adults experience daily stress- the highest level recorded in more than a decade.
"How might we design an innovative luminaire system that utilizes light and colour methodology as a tool to help users alleviate stress?"
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Slow, rhythmic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, effectively lowering heart rate and blood pressure (Jerath et al., 2015).
Stress Resilience: Increasing Heart Rate Variability (HRV) serves as a primary bio-indicator for improved stress resilience and physical recovery (Lehrer & Gevirtz, 2014).
Cognitive Anchor: Focusing on controlled breath rhythms provides a visual and cognitive anchor, reducing environmental distractions and mental fatigue (Zaccaro et al., 2018).
Anxiety Reduction: Practicing deliberate slow-paced breathing significantly reduces acute state anxiety and enhances emotional self-regulation (Zaccaro et al., 2018).
App: Calm, Breathing Zone | Lamp: Ohm Breathing Lamp | Wearable: Moonbird
App: Calm, Breathing Zone | Lamp: Ohm Breathing Lamp | Wearable: Moonbird
App: Calm, Breathing Zone | Lamp: Ohm Breathing Lamp | Wearable: Moonbird
App: Calm, Breathing Zone | Lamp: Ohm Breathing Lamp | Wearable: Moonbird
Natural stone was selected for its organic texture and visual connection to nature, helping create a calm and relaxing atmosphere within the home environment (Masterton, n.d.).
The circular form creates a soft, continuous visual flow without sharp edges, supporting a sense of calm, focus and tranquillity (DocHipo, 2025).
According to studies by Liu et al. (2025), low-saturation, cool-coloured light induces neutral emotions, such as quiet and relaxed. Therefore, I focused on the low-saturation solution and used the experimental results of B2, Y2, P2, and G2 as the basis for the four primary lighting colours.
The default breathing cycle is based on the common mindfulness breathing exercise, such as 3 seconds of inhalation and 3 seconds of exhalation (Headspace, 2023). However, users can customise their own breathing rhythm with the app.
Role: Bedside Wall Lamp
Function: Serves as a soothing night companion, utilizing soft, rhythmic breathing light to ease body tension and promote smooth sleep onset.
Core Benefit: Wind-down relaxation & sleep aid.
Role: Focus & Mindfulness Ambient Light
Function: Creates a tranquil workspace atmosphere during work or study, using rhythmic light guidance to alleviate mental fatigue and acute anxiety.
Core Benefit: Stress reduction & cognitive calm.