Bright Idea: solar lamp aids developing world

29 : 02 : 2012 NEA : Emerging Economies : Iceland

Iceland – Iceland-based company LittleSun is set to launch The LittleSun Lantern this summer, an affordable solar-powered LED light designed to give cheap light to the 2.5 billion around the world who still live on less than $2 per day.

The lamp has been designed by artist Olafur Eliasson and Danish Industrial designer Frederik Ottesen, and can be hung, attached to the person or used as a desk light. The aim is to help communities in the developing world by eradicating the need for Kerosene gas lanterns – typically used in areas that don’t have electricity and more expensive, less effective and toxic. The LittleSun delivers ten times more light at a tenth of the cost of the most common wick-based lantern.

Light, versatile, sustainable and affordable, the lantern is an example of how intelligent and forward-thinking design can powerfully and positively impact the everyday lives of many.

For more on how counter-intuitive ideas are being adopted in emerging economies, read our Anarconomy Decade macrotrend.

Discover More Daily Signals
How forpeople used bio-electrical tree data to shape Tree Aid’s rebranding

Daily Signals

How forpeople used bio-electrical tree data to shape Tree Aid’s rebranding

London-based creative studio forpeople has unveiled a pro bono rebranding for international development charity Tree Aid, placing living systems at...
Design : Nature : Technology
Bara brings Welsh flavours to South London

Daily Signals

Bara brings Welsh flavours to South London

Bara is London’s first café dedicated to Welsh cuisine, opening in February 2026 in Peckham, southeast London.
Food : Hospitality : Cuisine
Stat: Silent mental health crisis among women over 50

Daily Signals

Stat: Silent mental health crisis among women over 50

Almost two in three women over 50 in the UK struggle with their mental health, yet nearly nine in 10 do not seek help, according to new research co...
Generation X : Women's Health : Mental Health
Childline gamifies digital pressure to prompt reflection among teens

Daily Signals

Childline gamifies digital pressure to prompt reflection among teens

British counselling service Childline has launched a new campaign, Race to a Milli, designed to raise awareness of the pressures of online life for...
Technology : Health : Wellness
The Holiday & Travel Show 2026: Why experience-led staycations are defining the future of travel

Daily Signals

The Holiday & Travel Show 2026: Why experience-led staycations are defining the future of travel

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show returned to Olympia London as a key barometer for the future of tourism, bringing together 600 travel b...
Travel : Hospitality : Staycations
Stat: Gen Z’s screen time isn’t slowing down

Daily Signals

Stat: Gen Z’s screen time isn’t slowing down

Despite growing cultural narratives about going offline, Gen Z’s screen time in the US is still accelerating.
Technology : Gen Z : Statistic
Fred Again builds emotional aftercare into live shows

Daily Signals

Fred Again builds emotional aftercare into live shows

British musician and producer Fred Again is rethinking post-concert care. In a recent Instagram post, the musician reflected on the abrupt ending o...
Live Music : Hospitality : Social Wellness
Stat: Health concerns are driving food choice in Asia Pacific

Daily Signals

Stat: Health concerns are driving food choice in Asia Pacific

New data from PWC’s annual Voice of the Consumer survey reveals that 38% of APAC consumers will switch brands for health benefits, trailing only be...
Health : Food : Statistic
Absolut and Tabasco tap into fast-growing demand for spicy spirits

Daily Signals

Absolut and Tabasco tap into fast-growing demand for spicy spirits

Absolut Vodka and Tabasco are turning up the heat on brand collaboration, unveiling a vodka infused with the hot sauce brand’s signature pepper fla...
Drinks : Food : Flavour
Mongolia brings ancient dress systems to the Winter Olympics

Daily Signals

Mongolia brings ancient dress systems to the Winter Olympics

Mongolia has unveiled the ceremonial and casual outfits for its team at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, using the global sporting sta...
Sport : Fashion : Luxury
You have 2 free Daily Signals remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN