Lighting the world

Helios Touch, designed by James Vanderpant during his final year studying Product Design, was brought to market in 2016 with the help of Dyena, a company normally specialising in engine design and maritime architecture.

Dyena has announced this week that the lights are now being sold in shops around the world.

James Glover, founder and Technical Director of Southampton-based Dyena, said: “It’s been a phenomenal success – sales are doing really well and we are having to ramp up production, currently manufacturing 10,000 units a month.”

The modular wall light uses moveable hexagon panels to design a unique artwork. Any space can be turned into a light source, and with a swipe, the wall is illuminated by the path of the hand. The low-voltage LED panels are attached using internal magnetic contacts allowing them to be rearranged into any shape.

James Vanderpant

James Vanderpant said: “Initial research revealed that advancements in energy efficiency were not necessarily leading to a reduction of overall energy consumption within lighting – thus the project took on a direction of tackling energy consumption from a different angle.

“This product is a solution by being a more dynamic and personal lighting system; it is specific to each individual environment and scenario, ensuring a minimal amount of waste by only using as much as you need.

“Using their technical knowledge, Dyena’s team of engineers made major progress with the internal design, optimising functionality and creating a more suitable solution for manufacture.”

James said his Product Design course gave him the platform needed to start his career: “I would not hesitate to recommend the course to anyone pursuing design; it opened a whole new avenue for me and brought me many opportunities.”

James Glover spotted Helios at the Product Design students’ Brighton Design Exhibition. He said: “James is an exceptional graduate and we are proud to be supporting him in his new career.

“Artwork or light, Helios Touch adds excitement and fun to living or working space, improving quality of light and life – and it allows you to create impressive designs.”