Spotlight on Alumni | Panahiazar

Kathleen: Tell me a little about IlluminAi, the product you are developing in collaboration with Morteza Matkan.

Sadegh: Basically, it is a novel smart lighting solution with the intention of re-aligning your circadian rhythm. This takes place by providing the users with the right light (wavelength and intensity) at the right time of the day with the ever-changing view to nature.
We have three different devices, a desktop device, a virtual window which can be installed on the wall or the ceiling and a controller device for existing smart lighting systems. Beside the three hardware devices we developed a smart app which learns from the users and the environment to optimize its solutions. Using this connected technology, users should be more alert in the morning and more relax before bed. The ultimate intention of this product is the gift of having a perfect day and a great night sleep.

Kathleen: What is the relationship between this project and the research you undertook for your MLItt and PhD in the School of Art History and Cultural Policy?

Sadegh: There is a great relationship between the two.  I was working on light in sacred buildings, and I moved from a subjective and poetic description of how it worked into more objective analysis.  This taught me about the wavelengths, and their emotional impact.  For instance, the hallway leading into the Sheik Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, which I analyzed in my dissertation, is tiled in blue and hence the reflection of light on its walls is rich in blue,  which replicates the condition of morning light that perks you up. This is why most visitors rush through the hallway. When you reach the central domed space, however, the light is much warmer and yellower (due to both tiling and the openings).  This kind of light calms you down and makes you relax. In my visits to Sheikh Lotf Allah I realized most of the visitors tend to sit in the dome hall and stare at the dome till they are asked to leave so the new group can enter! This is exactly what we need in our daily program. Be alert and sharp in the morning and relax and calm in the evening. If you live and work outdoor, natural light almost provides you with this cycle (beside foggy days or half of the year in northern countries!), but as we are mostly under artificial light, we tend to have a big problem these days.  Another benefit of being at UCD was the people I met, including Morteza Matkan, IlluminAi’s co-founder, who is based in the School of Architecture.

Kathleen: Who will find your product most useful?

Sadegh: Everyone can benefit from it, not least because of high levels of light pollution and static artificial lighting, few of us get the optimal light we need, but those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and those who work night shifts, or anyone with a sleeping disorder, will benefit the most.

Kathleen: What is the current stage of development?

Sadegh: After receiving funding from Enterprise Ireland, and being hosted at UCD Nova, as well as in the UCD School of Psychology, we have officially spun out our company, which is now registered. Our first product, the desktop device will soon be on crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter. Don’t miss it!  

Kathleen: I wish you well with this!

Sadegh: Thanks!