The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a high-stress environment that often disrupts patients’ circadian rhythms and emotional well-being due to artificial lighting, unfamiliar routines, and the absence of natural day-night cues. This project explores how lighting interventions can improve the ICU experience from the perspective of critically ill patients. Conducted in collaboration with Critical Alarms Lab (TU Delft) and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the study followed a human-centered design process to understand and address patient challenges related to light exposure.

Through observations, interviews with healthcare professionals, and environmental light assessments, key vulnerable moments in the patient journey particularly during waking and sleep preparation were identified. This led to the development of LumoGlaze, a wearable smart goggle, and LumoSync, a mobile app that uses physiological data (Heart rate and sleep phase from Fitbit) to adapt lighting. The system provides calming evening light and a morning bright light therapy to support circadian alignment.

Prototypes were refined through iterative testing and evaluated in a simulated ICU setting. Participants reported the system as comfortable, intuitive, and non-intrusive. While physiological data showed no significant variations across lighting modes, the intervention was perceived as supportive in creating a calmer environment.

This work highlights the potential of patient-centered, non-pharmacological lighting solutions in critical care. LumoGlaze serves as a blueprint for integrating adaptive, human-focused lighting technology into healthcare environments. Future recommendations include in-site ICU testing, extended physiological monitoring, and exploring more personalized lighting strategies.