LD+A Research: Lighting Quality Over Quantity: How Full-Spectrum LEDs Influence Lighting Preferences and Visual Performance

Lighting is essential to visual performance but also human health, mood, and overall well-being. A growing body of evidence underscores the importance of both the quantity and quality of light in shaping these outcomes. Traditional energy programs, such as those in California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards or federal ENERGY STAR specifications, have historically emphasized luminous efficacy. While this approach has driven substantial improvements in energy performance, it often overlooks color fidelity and visual comfort, which are essential for user satisfaction, positive functional outcomes, and sustained use of LED lighting in homes and businesses.