Virtual Light Framework: Web-based solutions for lighting

Lighting manufacturers invest heavily in high-quality photometric data. Yet in digital product communication, this data is often reduced to downloads or static visuals. Variants must be visualized separately, comparison graphics are created manually, and renderings are commissioned repeatedly.

This is exactly where the Virtual Light Framework comes in. Using existing IES data and information on luminaire layouts, it generates an interactive lighting visualization that can immediately display grid dimensions, spacing, or variations. Instead of multiple static renderings, a dynamic system displays variants in real time and makes them easy to understand.

This reduces the need for pre-produced renderings, minimizes redundant media assets, and enables scalable integration of new products into the existing portfolio. Product data is no longer just provided – it becomes interactive. This strengthens the manufacturer’s position early in the planning process, reduces operational effort, and creates clear digital differentiation in the market.

In the early stages of a project, fundamental questions arise: Which grid layout works best? How do uniformity and luminaire count change with larger spacing? Is a wide-beam variant more economical? Which light color best supports the concept?
Such comparisons usually require additional planning steps or separate visualizations in proprietary software tools.
The Virtual Light Framework allows these variants to be simulated directly in the browser on the manufacturer’s website. Different arrangements can be tested, products compared, and their impact on lighting effects becomes immediately visible. This accelerates the selection and design phase and provides a visual decision aid even before switching to planning software.
It also improves communication with the client. Lighting designers often face the challenge of explaining technical concepts in a way that is understandable—especially when clients or project stakeholders are not technical experts.
With the interactive visualization, variants can be explored together. Differences in grid spacing, luminaire count, or light colors become immediately visible and can be shared via URLs. Discussions shift from abstract parameters to directly visible lighting effects.

Technical curves and tables are difficult for many decision-makers to interpret. Virtual Light translates photometric data into a visual representation that makes the impact of lighting parameters, luminaire selection, and spacing immediately visible.
Differences between variants become clear at a glance. This increases transparency, confidence, and clarity in decision-making—especially in the early stages of a project.

The Virtual Light Framework transforms IES data into a real-time lighting visualization.
What previously required multiple static renderings is now generated dynamically in the browser: comparing different products, adjusting grid spacing, or evaluating light colors.
All calculations run client-side in real time.

In addition to the 3D visualization, photometric analysis diagrams can be displayed that are otherwise only available in specialized desktop applications. The polar luminous intensity distribution curve and its linear representation show the luminaire’s radiation pattern in every direction. The iso-candela diagrams – in polar and cartesian form – make areas of equal luminous intensity visible at a glance. The cone diagram visualizes illuminance at different distances from the luminaire, while the iso-illuminance diagram shows its distribution across the working plane. Both respond immediately to changes in mounting height.

Individual diagrams can be exported directly.

In addition to interactive 3D visualization in the virtual mock-up environment, the Virtual Light Framework provides additional graphical and technical outputs.

These include 3D lighting visualizations, light distribution curves, and documented grid and layout variants. Direct comparisons between different luminaires can be generated instantly and used in presentations.
LDT tables can also be generated, planning parameters documented, and relevant performance and color data exported in a structured format. Planning information is therefore not only visualized, but also made systematically reusable.

Once data is generated, it can be used to create a wide variety of content that can be utilized both dynamically and statically.

The Virtual Light Framework provides a design-neutral technological foundation. It does not dictate how it should be integrated into existing websites, nor does it restrict design choices that align with corporate identity guidelines.

This open approach enables manufacturers to tailor visualization, interaction, and usage scenarios to their brand, products, and communication goals.

We would be happy to work with you to develop specific usage scenarios and concrete use cases that are optimally aligned with your manufacturing strategy.