Applying the Problem Solving Method to Landscape Lighting

In this blog article we will explore how to apply the Problem Solving Method to your landscape lighting project.

The 7 Steps of Problem Solving are:

1.   Define the Problem

2.   Define the Solution

3.   Gather Information

4.   Develop Alternate Ideas

5.   Choose a Solution

6.   Test the Solution

7.   Evaluate the Solution

 

1. Define the problem There is a dark area somewhere on my property.

It is very important that right from the beginning of the project that you know what will make you happy when the project is finished?

Is your main concern Safety, is there a dark set of steps?

Is your main concern Security, do you feel uncomfortable arriving home to a dark house?

Is your main concern Aesthetic? Do want your home to look nice at night?

 

2. Define the solution

What are the requirements and constraints of the project?

By identifying constraints and requirements clearly in the early stages of the design planning process you will have a greater chance of being happy with the job when it is complete. Make sure to include all stake holders in this step.

Time- Does the job need to be complete before a certain date? Is there a holiday celebration or party planned?

Budget- What is the budget for the job?

Energy- Will the system use house current 120 volt, low volt 12 or 24 volt, or solar power? How important is energy efficiency?

 

3. Gather information

Information- What are the current best practices in landscape lighting? Does my town require a permit for the job?

Materials- What brand and types of equipment, light fixtures, transformers, bulbs, wire, connectors & controllers will be used?

Will the equipment come from a home center or will the equipment be professional grade?

People- Will the job be DIY (Do It Yourself)? If not who will do the job? An electrician, landscaper, landscape architect, or landscape lighting company?

If you hire someone to do the project what are their qualifications? How do they design the project? Do they offer nighttime lighting demonstrations? Do they offer warranties? Will they service the system if there is a problem in the future?

Tools- If you plan on a DIY project what special tools will you need?

 

4. Think of alternative solutions

This is the stage of the process where the landscape lighting system is designed. As different designs are developed remember the original concerns when you first thought that, ‘there is a dark area somewhere on my property.’

Professional Landscape Lighting designers will set up a temporary lighting system to make sure that the proper light fixture is in the correct location with the correct bulb to achieve the maximum effect.

                                                                                    

5. Choose the best solution

In all design there are trade-offs. In this stage you must decide which of the constraints and requirements is trump. What is most important? Deadline? Budget? Quality of material? The look of the design? Access to service on the system?

Seeing the design may have you adjust the solution.

 

6. Implement the solution

In this step the design becomes reality. The lights are installed.

7. Evaluate the solution

          Look at the design. In many landscape lighting designs an adjustment of the light fixtures is necessary. After the adjustment determine if the design problem has been solved? Is the dark area of your property successfully illuminated?

When you look at the design are you happy with it? If you were careful and honest with yourself in each step, the answer will be, ‘Yes, I am happy with my lights’.

Good Luck with your landscape lighting project.