"Lighting Without a Bulb" Design Contest, by Corning and OLEDWorks

Award 
This challenge seeks creative lighting designs that integrate Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology into functional luminaires and other practical lighting applications. Up to five winners will be awarded cash prizes of US $10,000 each. 

Further interaction with respondents may occur after award of prize.  Such interactions may include, but are not limited to, the opportunity to fabricate a prototype using sponsor-supplied components. Funding is to be negotiated.

Timeline 

Design Evaluation Criteria 
The sponsor and their partner will evaluate your design considering the following criteria:

• Design uniqueness
  - Design highlights thin form factor, low-weight illumination element, cool-to-touch surface, and high light quality
  - Design cannot readily be executed with conventional or LED light sources
• Prospective marketability and practicality
  - Design can be sold through channels familiar to the market segment
  - Materials and assembly costs consistent with pricing of products with similar unity in the target market segment
• Aesthetics
  - Selection of authentic materials that complement lighting experience
  - Seamless integration of wiring and power supply
• How the design enhances user experience
• Path to fabrication
  - Materials required
  - Assembly steps
  

Submissions 
You must complete and submit the online response form by June 30, 2016 5:00 PM EDT. You will be able to upload supplemental documents with your response. 

Your response should provide:

• Renderings which illustrate the design concept (please submit illustrations as pdf documents or jpegs)
  - Optionally, you are encouraged to include a private link to a short video presentation 
• A description of proposed design that also explains how you meet the design evaluation criteria
• A description of a what is necessary to fabricate a prototype
• A description about you (or your team) and related experience

If you require assistance to submit, please contact the NineSigma Solution Provider Help Desk (phd@ninesigma.com).

Additional Project Information 
For background and information about the components you can use within your design, please see the Challenge Summary. 

Background Information 
OLED light panels naturally produce diffuse light with little or no heat in very thin (1-2mm) form factors. Moreover, the light produced has a broad color spectrum, similar to that of an incandescent lamp in the visible spectrum. This results in good color rendering of objects and a pleasant user experience. Luminaires and other lighting solutions based on OLED technology will likely find widespread application where thin form factors, low weight, and high light quality are critical design elements.

On the other hand, LED light luminaires tends to produce glare and heat requiring auxiliary optics and thermal management systems. This limits their appeal for use in extremely lightweight fixtures and integration with building materials and furniture.

This contest invites designs for luminaires and other lighting applications that could benefit from OLED technology, including architecture, building materials, and furniture. The designs may target a variety of market segments, including, but not limited to, hospitality, retail, transportation, commercial, and residential. Desk lamp designs are not of interest for this design competition.

Corning is a leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Corning is collaborating with OLEDWorks, creators of world class, cost-effective lighting solutions, to develop OLED components. Both companies invite students and designers to imagine how OLED lighting can create the future of lighting devices, fixtures, and luminaires.
Learn more about Corning and OLEDWorks online at www.corning.com and www.oledworks.com.