Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting, has consistently been at the forefront of lighting innovation for over 90 years. As the world leader in lighting, Signify has continually evolved to meet the changing needs and expectations of consumers and businesses alike. The company's latest product, NatureConnect, exemplifies this commitment to innovation and customer-centric design.

Consumer Insights and Trends Behind NatureConnect

Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD, Signify, Greater India emphasizes that NatureConnect is a product born from a deep understanding of customer needs and lighting trends. "We have been the leading player in both consumer and professional markets for many years," he says. "Our continuous innovation in lighting is driven by a system that keeps us closely connected with our customers. We constantly evaluate what they expect from lighting and strive to match these expectations."

Joshi points out that the lighting experience varies significantly based on the context. For instance, the lighting requirements for a home differ from those of a retail shop. This insight is crucial in developing products that cater to diverse environments and user experiences. "Connecting with customers and incorporating their insights into our innovative platforms is at the core of our strategy," he adds.

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR, Signify, Greater India highlights a significant trend that influenced the development of NatureConnect: the growing importance of health and well-being. "In the last 10 years, health and well-being have become critical in the consumer space," he notes. "Our journey towards well-being-driven lighting began with our iComfort platform, where our LEDs delivered soothing light with less glare."

The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the need for healthy work environments. "Post-COVID, employees expect offices to provide healthy environments that enhance productivity," says Gupta. This shift in expectations led to the inception of NatureConnect, aimed at creating biophilic designs that incorporate elements of nature into indoor spaces. "Biophilic design in offices is becoming popular to ensure employees feel comfortable, healthy, and energized," Gupta explains. "NatureConnect brings these elements together, promoting a healthier and more productive work environment."

Key Features of NatureConnect

The primary benefit of NatureConnect is its ability to mimic the natural outdoors and bring it indoors. "This product creates the feeling of being under an open blue sky, even in enclosed spaces without windows," Gupta describes. This feature is particularly beneficial for offices and meeting rooms with limited natural light, transforming the work environment into a more pleasant and inspiring space.

NatureConnect is designed to support the body's natural circadian rhythm by emulating the dynamic variations of sunlight throughout the day. "Our bodies have adapted over millions of years to the sun's rhythm," Gupta explains. "NatureConnect mimics the entire cycle of the sun, from sunrise to sunset, helping regulate sleep-wake cycles and improving overall well-being."

By simulating natural light, the product promotes a positive mood and reduces stress. "Any of us would prefer to work under a blue sky rather than in a typical office," Gupta notes. This improved mood translates into enhanced focus and productivity. For businesses, the gains from increased productivity far outweigh the benefits of energy efficiency alone.

While NatureConnect is primarily designed for professional spaces, it also has applications in high-end residences. "Premium residences can benefit from this technology," Joshi notes. The product's flexibility and aesthetic appeal make it suitable for various environments, including hospitality and healthcare sectors.

Cost-Efficient Benefits for Businesses

From a business perspective, NatureConnect offers significant advantages beyond energy efficiency. As an LED-based product, it inherently delivers energy savings, but the primary value lies in its impact on employee well-being and productivity. Joshi emphasizes that a happy and healthy employee is far more productive, leading to substantial gains for organizations.

Gupta provides a practical example of a call center in India serving markets abroad. Employees working night shifts often feel fatigued and sleepy due to the contrast between the indoor lighting and the dark outside. NatureConnect can transform such environments, making them healthier and more conducive to productivity by simulating natural daylight, thus boosting employee morale and efficiency.

The Role of Connectivity in NatureConnect

Connectivity plays a crucial role in the seamless integration of NatureConnect within office environments. Gupta explains that the product is part of Signify's Interact platform, an IoT solution for professional applications. This connectivity ensures that multiple NatureConnect installations work harmoniously, transforming the entire office space rather than operating in isolation.

The connected platform also allows for comprehensive control and monitoring of various office systems, including air conditioning and non-NatureConnect lighting products. This holistic approach creates a smart office environment where energy consumption can be tracked, and efficiency optimized. The inclusion of proximity sensors and other smart features further enhances the overall office experience.

Digital Marketing and Influencer Engagement

Signify's marketing strategy is increasingly digital-first, particularly in the B2B space. "Our entire marketing effort has moved to events and digital platforms," Gupta explains. The company engages closely with influencers in the lighting, design, and architecture communities to promote its products. "We work with a strong community of lighting designers, architects, and interior decorators," he adds.

Strategic Vision

Signify has ambitious plans to expand NatureConnect and introduce new innovations. Joshi mentions the upcoming launch of Modify, another revolutionary lighting solution designed for flexible office spaces. Modify adapts to different seating arrangements and provides volumetric lighting, creating a more dynamic and visually appealing environment.

The company is also organizing the India Light Festival, an annual event to showcase its latest innovations to industry professionals, customers, and influencers. This platform aims to educate and engage stakeholders, highlighting the possibilities and benefits of advanced lighting solutions like NatureConnect.