Go-Lightly (Developed as Footlume)

WINNER Ideal Home Show 'Concept Product Award' 2007 (as Footlume)

FINALIST of PDD Carbonate Innovations Award 2007

Featured on Richard and Judy (C4)

Product

Rug with built in Electro-Luminescent design which emits a soft light when activated by pressure as the user steps onto it. Used as a nightlight it operates on a timer and prevents fumbling around in the dark for the lightswitch and associated accidents, aiding safe journeys to the lavatory or kitchen etc without waking the household.

“One of the most common causes of accidents in the home is a fall in the dark whilst struggling to find a light switch”
(Telecare) Guardian 21.06.07

Background

This concept was developed as an undergraduate group project under the name Go-Lightly, and was inspired by the use of mobile phones as torches. It was runner up in the Carbonate Innovation Award 2007, and then won a place for two of the inventors on the LSBU Enterprise Associate Scheme where pre commercial development funding was secured. It then went on to win the Ideal Home Show Concept Product Award 2008.

“Responsive surfaces are the next big thing for interiors”
Grand Designs Magazine May 2007

Development

My part in the research and development of the rug was primarily the technical feasibility and development of the proof of principle model and first prototype. The product is now being developed under the name Footlume by ZoLo Designs.

International Patent Publication Number (PCT): WO2009/00105A1