The studio course used an iterative method and involved a laboratory exploration with the goal of prototyping a fully working LED based fixture design. Students explored fundamental concepts in optics, materials, photometrics and building science and aesthetically pleasing lighting systems.
Students were given a broad array of modular LED sources and electrical connections which could then be configured together in a specific student design for each luminaire. Students were encouraged to explore multiple solutions and then evaluated based on objective indicators, aesthetic considerations, manufacturability and cost.

Students had access to a prototype development laboratory with hand and machine tools necessary for fabricating test fixtures and models. Students also used computer based model approaches to help develop optical and material configurations.

Students were directed to explore and develop distribution and fixture ideas based on the LED's unique attributes of small size, color and luminance distribution.