The Lightie

Methodology

How we research and assess lighting.

Our current process is research-led: we check product documentation and relevant sources, compare options against a consistent set of buying questions, and explain the basis and limits of each recommendation.

Our process

How we research lighting products.

Our editorial process separates published specifications from our assessment and applies the same practical questions within each category.

01

Start with the use case

We define the room, task, budget, installation limits, and features a product needs to address before comparing options.

02

Check source material

We review manufacturer documentation, current specifications, safety guidance, and relevant independent sources. Published claims are treated as claims unless evidence supports them.

03

Compare practical trade-offs

Recommendations consider light output, colour quality, controls, installation, compatibility, durability indicators, price, and the limitations that matter for the intended use.

04

Explain the recommendation

We show the reasoning behind each score, link related guidance, disclose affiliate links, and note dates so readers can verify changing prices and specifications.

Editorial contributors

Named responsibility for each article.

Contributor bylines identify editorial responsibility. We do not present qualifications or specialist testing experience here unless they can be documented.

IC

Imogen Clarke

Editorial contributor

Imogen contributes to The Lightie's solar and home-lighting coverage, focusing on product specifications, buying criteria, and clearly sourced comparisons.

Coverage: Solar and home lighting

RP

Raj Patel

Editorial contributor

Raj contributes to The Lightie's smart-lighting coverage, focusing on protocol compatibility, app features, local control, and cross-platform support.

Coverage: Smart lighting

TB

Tom Beaumont

Editorial contributor

Tom contributes to The Lightie's emergency and outdoor-lighting coverage, focusing on published power, runtime, weather-resistance, and installation information.

Coverage: Emergency and outdoor lighting