Running with TKs thoughts about a light defaulting into the Muggle Mode out of the box.
And making muggle the default after a factory reset.
Muggle By Default?
I think this is something who’s time, perhaps, has come.
It is only a matter of time before a class action lawyer discovers someone who, through their own fault, has burned down a house, melted a seat cushion, blown up a light, burned a hand, or “suffered permanent psychological damage”. From a flashlight, and all that follows.
Good luck collecting from China on that BTY.
But an American, UK, or ? Sales outlet, and anyone involved in the design. – Look Out!
On many electronic products, often there is a “something” that needs to be done before the product can function. Like the stick on battery protectors.
If the instructions to remove the batt protector is attached to the light in some manner such that the light can not be handled without removing the instructions first. Should cut down on those type of problems. Unfortunately you can’t always fix stupid.
The Muggle Interface
I think a default muggle interface should, by default, not have memory.
It should be a stepped brightness and always start in a moderate low. Why?
Because someones kid is going to stick it right next to some other kids, or pets, or their own eye and turn the darn thing on.
Starting in low, at least the victim has a chance to make a get away before damage is done.
It’s simple enough to bump a light up a few notches if needed, if the mode change is made easy enough.
Then make choosing to enable memory a choice in the muggle options.
And/Or make choosing the default brightness setting an option.
Ramping? For most of the world? Why would they even want it?
Moonlight (press and hold), then Low, Medium, and High. If properly spaced - is enough.
High being what can be sustained without step down or the head getting too hot.
Or perhaps press and hold is a momentary low. Or whatever has been set in the muggle options.
How many muggles will actually use a moonlight level?
Want less light? Do what we’ve done for years and cover the front with fingers.
Batt check from off? I really like it and use it all the time. I would like to keep it.
Once again, for those who are not going to be using a light often. Would they even remember?
Battery level by color of an indicator, be that the switch or? Would seems to be needed also.
Running all the time the light is on.
Changing Programs
The Surefire Protac “Cop Lights” have a 9 quick presses then press and hold to change programs.
Much less than that and it’s going to happen accidentally if someone is farting around with the light trying to get things to happen.
Getting into the optional settings should not require anything similar to the clicks needed to change brightness modes. Too easy to end up where things can get confusing.
6 presses and hold to get into muggle options. 8 presses and hold to get to the BLF options. Perhaps.
Making changing between “programs” an easy to remember, but hard to do by accident series of clicks and holds seems sensible.
Marketing?
As far as marketing, that’s a real issue with makers.
Perhaps touting that the light is so powerful and sophisticated that the “professional” settings are locked out by default could be a marketing angle.
Possible danger always sells.
And as far as switch design?
Getting off topic here.
For the love of all that’s good and holy – make it so I can find the frelling thing in the dark by feel alone.
Built in charging is clearly a thing, although I’m not a fan of most port covers.
But stop the charge at 4.1v or? To keep the battery(s) safe and happy.
It’s going to be sitting charging for days (weeks?). With muggle owners.
Oh, and pretty please give me a programmable Sunset mode someplace in there somewhere.
That’s easy to activate from any brightness.
Ok, I’m winding down now and they tell me it’s time to take a pill or else….
Your Thoughts?
All the Best,
Jeff