Seattle’s cloudy weather and limited sunlight expose many residents, particularly those working indoors, to insufficient natural light. This often leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and related mental health challenges.
LUMI was envisioned to tackle this issue by leveraging light therapy and innovative technology to improve mental well-being through adaptive lighting solutions.
Insufficient exposure to natural light disrupts circadian rhythms and serotonin production, negatively impacting mood, sleep quality, and overall mental health. How might we create a solution that supplements natural light exposure and supports users in maintaining their mental health?
Light therapy is a new tool to assist in the treatment of depression. Light therapy regulates mood, sleep, and more by simulating natural light. Since Seattle is known for its cloudy and rainy weather, the city has seen an increased demand for light therapy products, leading to the development of new and innovative light therapy products.
Key Insights
Health Risks
Lack of light exposure increases the risk of SAD, depression, and vitamin D deficiency, which are particularly common in areas with prolonged overcast weather, like Seattle
Behavioral Insights
Many individuals working indoors struggle to notice or manage their daily light exposure. Traditional light therapy devices lack adaptability and user engagement .
Key Statistics
A study in The Lancet showed that the rate of production of serotonin, our 'happy hormone,' is directly related to the duration of exposure to bright light."
The Lancet statistics show that the prevalence of depression in Iceland is as high as 10.3%. Much of the high prevalence of depression in the Nordic countries is related to their relatively cold weather and short duration of daylight."
