
Manufacturer: 3M
Through a sleight of hand dubbed the virtual LED effect, a limited number of LEDs power a sea of light in this physics-meets-design collaboration between 3M and designer Todd Bracher. The bulbous forms of Lightfalls are covered in reflective film to bounce the glow from module to module, creating the illusion that each one is self-powered. The system comes in seven configurations, complete with powder-coated aluminum mounting hardware and two light hues, and it can be arrayed in myriad ways to light up spaces from small alcoves to entire rooms. 3m.com, toddbracher.net
Halo Light
Design Firm: Pensar, Seattle, Washington
Design Team: Alex Diener and Kristin Will with Max Baker, Chad Brinckerhoff, Jonathan Hadley, Aaron Johnson, John Manthey, John Murkowski, Andrew Royal and Trent Wetherbee
Manufacturer: Illumagear
Designed to help construction workers to see and be seen at night, this hard hat attachment by safety product manufacturer Illumagear is exactly what it sounds like: a halo of light that illuminates individuals and their workspace. The ring of LEDs – powered by a 12-hour battery – repels dust and water, can be spotted from up to 400 metres in all directions, and sets to four different modes: full light, a bright pulse mode, a task light (which is brighter on the front), and a dimmed mode for working alongside someone else. Simple yet ingenious, the design makes one wonder why nobody thought of it before. illumagear.com, pensardevelopment.com