Participatory Research on the Preference for Residential Lighting: The Living Space of Generation MZ

Abstract

Background This study aims to understand the users’ preference about the lighting environment of residential space targeting Generation MZ. The study also aims to observe users’ patterns and characteristics in adjusting the lights through the participatory process. Methods We asked 21 participants to configure the lighting environment of four situations experienced in a residential space in the experiment. The experiment room was furnished with an adjustable light ceiling regarding illuminance and correlated color temperature (CCT). Also, eight lighting objects and two home appliances with light interfaces were furnished. We traced the procedure, measured the optical properties of the configured states using a chroma meter, and analyzed the traits. Results Participants showed distinctive patterns of preference for lighting environments. For the morning context, they set the brightest condition (M = 459.46 ㏓, SD = 234.34 ㏓) and the highest CCT (M = 5421K, SD = 1086 K) toward an awakening mood. Regarding the daytime context, attentive work watching a display was the interest and thus, participants tended to have a lower illuminance (M = 407.56 ㏓, SD = 228.18 ㏓) than in the morning. The CCT was 5050 K (SD = 1137 K). Targeting the relaxing evening, participants lowered the illuminance to 134.37 ㏓ (SD = 128.77 ㏓) on average, and the CCT was 3892 K (SD = 1137 K), realizing a warm atmosphere with viewing media contents. Lastly, participants turned off the ceiling light to go to bed but not yet darkened the space entirely. Many arranged incandescent-like lighting objects nearby, thereby having a minimum level of illuminance (M = 1.61 ㏓, SD = 0.78 ㏓). Conclusions The indoor lighting needs to be optimized for the activity characteristics and users’ circadian rhythm. We identified the preferred illuminance, CCT, and objects through the participatory experiment. We expect home appliances or interior products to be designed more thoroughly based on understanding users’ residential space and their preferences. © 2022. Seoul Journal of Economics. All Rights Reserved.