A checklist used to systematically evaluate the quality and appropriateness of lighting for a specific task.
- Methodologies: Engineering, Product Design, Project Management
Cornell Task Lighting Evaluation Form

Cornell Task Lighting Evaluation Form
- Design Evaluation, Design for Sustainability, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Human-Centered Design, Usability, Usability Testing, User experience (UX), User Interface (UI)
Objective:
How it’s used:
- An evaluator uses the form to assess various aspects of the lighting system, such as illuminance levels, glare, shadows, and light source position, to determine if it supports the visual demands of the task.
Pros
- Provides a structured and systematic approach to lighting assessment, helps identify specific lighting problems that can cause eye strain and errors, simple to use.
Cons
- Focuses specifically on task lighting and may not cover all aspects of the general lighting environment, requires some knowledge of lighting principles to interpret results accurately.
Categories:
- Ergonomics, Risk Management
Best for:
- Evaluating and improving lighting conditions for specific, visually demanding tasks to reduce eye strain and improve performance.
The Cornell Task Lighting Evaluation Form is particularly useful in industries where precise visual tasks are paramount, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and design, ensuring that environments accommodate the specific lighting needs for tasks like surgical procedures, assembly line work, or intricate artistic creation. This methodology is most effective during the design phase of a project when installations or renovations of workspaces occur, helping design teams to create optimized lighting solutions. Participants may include lighting designers, architects, ergonomists, and end-users who provide valuable feedback on the practicality of lighting in real-world scenarios. Implementing this evaluation form can identify deficiencies in lighting configurations that could lead to problems such as poor visibility or increased fatigue, therefore, benchmarks can be established against international lighting standards, such as those set by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The form facilitates data-driven discussions among team members regarding necessary modifications, encouraging collaborative problem-solving to enhance user satisfaction and productivity. Companies often find that early assessments lead to greater long-term savings by reducing energy costs and minimizing the need for future adjustments, making it a strategic investment in workplace design. Examples of successful applications include optimizing the lighting for hospital exam rooms to balance functionality with patient comfort, or adjusting office lighting to enhance employee concentration and creativity, ultimately fostering an atmosphere conducive to performance and well-being.
Key steps of this methodology
- Evaluate illuminance levels at the task area using a light meter.
- Assess glare by observing reflections and bright spots on task surfaces.
- Examine shadows and their impact on visual clarity of the task.
- Analyze the position and distribution of light sources relative to the task area.
- Determine color temperature of the light sources and its effect on visual comfort.
- Inspect for uniformity of light across the task surface.
- Evaluate the ability of the lighting system to minimize flicker.
- Consider user feedback on visibility and comfort during task performance.
- Identify any specific lighting deficiencies that affect task execution.
Pro Tips
- Utilize spectral analysis to assess color rendering of light sources, ensuring they enhance visual clarity for specific tasks.
- Incorporate metrics from real-world user feedback to refine the evaluation criteria, focusing on comfort and productivity levels.
- Implement advanced glare analysis tools during assessments, allowing for adjustments that minimize discomfort without sacrificing light intensity.
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