Short answer

Designers should implement lighting systems that can adapt to different times and activities, using warmer light tones and strategic placement to minimize ecological disruption while maximizing user safety and comfort.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: Sustainability (2025)
Method: Mixed-methods research
Sample: 15 participants in workshops, 144 participants in surveys
Evidence: Moderate effect

Users prioritize adaptive, targeted lighting over uniform illumination in urban parks, valuing safety and ecological considerations. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Sustainability. Using Mixed-methods research with 15 participants in workshops, 144 participants in surveys, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should implement lighting systems that can adapt to different times and activities, using warmer light tones and strategic placement to minimize ecological disruption while maximizing user safety and comfort.

Study

User-Centred DesignNew This WeekModerate effect

Adaptive lighting preferences in urban parks enhance perceived safety and ecological awareness.

Users prioritize adaptive, targeted lighting over uniform illumination in urban parks, valuing safety and ecological considerations.

Sustainability · 2025

Key Findings

01Safety and orientation are paramount for park users.
02Users prefer adaptive and functionally targeted lighting over uniform illumination.
03There is a recognized negative impact of artificial lighting on the environment, with support for warm-spectrum lighting and light zoning.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing or retrofitting lighting for urban parks, conduct user engagement to understand specific needs and preferences, and specify adaptive lighting controls and warm-spectrum luminaires.

Project actions

01When researching public spaces, consider how lighting affects user experience and environmental impact.
02Use mixed methods to gather both qualitative insights (like discussions) and quantitative data (like surveys).

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate public perceptions and preferences regarding urban park lighting, focusing on safety, functionality, and ecological impact.

MethodMixed-methods research

ProcedureParticipatory workshops were conducted with local residents to identify lighting-related problems through discussions and visual mapping. Concurrently, an online and on-site survey was distributed to gather broader user feedback on lighting preferences and perceptions.

Sample15 participants in workshops, 144 participants in surveys

ContextUrban park design and public space planning

Variables

IVType of lighting (uniform vs. adaptive, spectrum, zoning)

DVPerceived safety, comfort, preference, ecological awareness

CVPark type, time of day, weather conditions

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilizes a mixed-methods approach for comprehensive data collection.
+Incorporates participatory methods, directly engaging users in the design research process.

Limitations

The specific preferences for lighting might vary greatly depending on the cultural context, climate, and type of urban park.

Reliability & validity

The use of multiple data collection methods (workshops, surveys) enhances the validity of the findings. Reliability could be improved by standardizing workshop facilitation and survey administration across different groups.

Think critically

How can designers balance the often-conflicting demands of user safety, aesthetic appeal, and ecological preservation in public space lighting?

Design Principles

"Design for adaptive functionality and ecological sensitivity in public lighting."

Understanding user preferences for lighting in public spaces is crucial for designing environments that are both functional and enjoyable. This insight informs the development of lighting strategies that balance human needs for safety and comfort with the imperative to protect natural ecosystems.

What This Means for Your Design

People want park lights that are smart – they should make you feel safe without being too bright everywhere, and they should be designed to not harm animals or plants.

How to use in your project

1.This research can inform the user research phase of a design project, helping to define user needs and preferences for lighting in a specific context.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

User-centred design principles were applied by investigating public perceptions of urban park lighting. Findings indicate a strong preference for adaptive lighting that prioritizes safety and orientation, alongside a growing awareness of ecological impacts, suggesting a need for warm-spectrum and zoned illumination strategies.

Source

Sustainability

Illuminating Perceptions: A Mixed-Methods Study of Public Views on Urban Park Lighting

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about adaptive lighting preferences in urban parks enhance perceived safety and ecological awareness?: Designers should implement lighting systems that can adapt to different times and activities, using warmer light tones and strategic placement to minimize ecological disruption while maximizing user safety and comfort. Evidence: Sustainability (2025).
Why does "Adaptive lighting preferences in urban parks enhance perceived safety and ecological awareness." matter for design?: Understanding user preferences for lighting in public spaces is crucial for designing environments that are both functional and enjoyable. This insight informs the development of lighting strategies that balance human needs for safety and comfort with the imperative to protect natural ecosystems.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers should implement lighting systems that can adapt to different times and activities, using warmer light tones and strategic placement to minimize ecological disruption while maximizing user safety and comfort.
What were the main findings?: Safety and orientation are paramount for park users.. Users prefer adaptive and functionally targeted lighting over uniform illumination.. There is a recognized negative impact of artificial lighting on the environment, with support for warm-spectrum lighting and light zoning.
What research method was used?: Mixed-methods research with 15 participants in workshops, 144 participants in surveys.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2025 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing or retrofitting lighting for urban parks, conduct user engagement to understand specific needs and preferences, and specify adaptive lighting controls and warm-spectrum luminaires.
What are the limitations?: The study's findings might be specific to the surveyed urban park and its user demographics; broader applicability requires further research across diverse park types and user groups.