The L34 is a linear high-bay light for illuminating large areas. The L34 has a simple form: a trapezoidal main body, and two adjustable panels of LEDs on each side. This fixture makes waves within the product category with advances in sustainability and functionality.

The design process for L34 focused on sustainability through product optimization and size reduction. The L34 sports a novel, collapsing wing design to minimize the product's volume during shipping; thus, requiring less packaging, cargo, and storage space. Sustainable design is also reflected in the fixture's material composition: the L34 is manufactured using plastics recycled from our own production process.

Improvements to functionality include adjustable lighting and an easier installation process. The articulating panels of LEDs enable consumers to illuminate targeted areas within a facility. The L34 is also lightweight, making it easier for technicians to install the fixture in precarious places.

When designing new products, RAB has several areas of focus: sustainability, product optimization, providing a superior user experience, and producing aesthetically refined products.

SUSTAINABILITY & OPTIMIZATION

Sustainability is one of RAB's priorities as a company. The industrial design team is a driving force for creating and executing sustainable designs through optimizing product shipping volumes and minimizing packaging and material consumption.

The L34 was designed to meet sustainability goals with its lightweight design and reduced size. L34's already streamlined form factor is made even more compact by the articulating wings of LEDs on either side of the main body. Folding in the wings for shipping saves cargo and storage space, and reduces packaging material by up to 65%, compared to other products of a similar power and lumens. Having a reduce shipping volume translates to company savings on transportation, and retail savings for the customer. In this way, RAB aims to make sustainable options more accessible to consumers.

The L34's design was revolutionary— for both RAB and the entire industry—for its size alone. The product's compact size is thanks to two design considerations: internal optimization. Careful consideration was given during the design process to ensure the internal organization of the fixture did not have any wasted space. The minimalistic housing for the internals was designed to have only essential parts.

To further minimize material consumption, the design of the L34 eliminates unnecessary surfaces and parts. For instance, the wings do not have a plastic lens for covering the LEDs. Excluding this industry standard--but in this case unnecessary--part reduces the material and energy required for production, thus helping minimize RAB's environmental footprint. Moreover, the L34 is manufactured with up to 30% leftover re-melted plastic from our own production process—material that would otherwise be thrown away.

USER EXPERIENCE

The L34 offers high levels of usability at an affordable price. The unique wing design advances the product category with improved functionality to the end-user. The articulating wing design (inspired by rock climbing gear) features paracords as a means of independently adjusting the angle of each panel of LEDs. The system is aesthetically refined, simple, and intuitive for installers to use. With five different angle settings, the L34 maximizes control and customization of light distribution -- setting the L34 apart from other fixtures in the industry. Thanks to the adjustable wing design, consumers have the unprecedented ability to directly illuminate specific regions in a facility, reduce glare, and prevent light pollution in other areas. This is a new and unique feature within the high-bay lighting product category.

Consumers also enjoy benefits from utilizing LED lighting. Cost savings are one of the primary benefits to using LEDs. LEDs are highly efficient and have a long-life, so consumers will not spend as much on an electricity bill or replacing burned out lamps. Plus, the L34 is compatible with RAB's Light Cloud Control and Sensor System, so it's easy to turn off lights when not in use. The L34 is compliant with DLC, efficiency, and environmental requirements.

Individuals also benefit from a better lit work environment thanks to improved lighting controls, improved visibility in critical areas, reduced eye strain, and color uniformity across numerous fixtures.

The L34 also benefits technicians, on account of its lightweight design. The L34 weighs approximately 60% less than other traditional high bay fixtures. These indoor fixtures are typically installed in multiples and great heights-- which can be precarious for installers. With two different mounting options and a lightweight design, the L34 is easy for a single person to lift, carry up a ladder, and install multiple fixtures quickly and safely.

AESTHETICS

The L34's form and function go together. This relationship drives cost and usability for the fixture. As a value lighting solution, keeping costs low is critical (while ensuring exceptional usability and pleasing aesthetics). As a result, the L34's design is unostentatious, favoring intentional and functional details over purposeless adornment.

The overall aesthetic of the product is essential minimalism, as reflected by the compact body and uncomplicated wing design. High Bay fixtures are often suspended 40 feet in the air – heights that make frivolous adornment either indistinguishable or cluttered in feeling. The L34's simplicity is beautiful and appropriate for the product's use case.