A frequent theme of current lighting research is the optimisation of light spectrum so as to provide a desirable perception closely linked to vision such as spatial brightness or a perception moderately linked to vision such as a feeling of safety outside at night or even outcomes remotely linked to vision such as a desired mood. In as far as such research moves attention away from proxy photometric measures such as illuminance and directs attention towards the benefits of providing the lighting this is a step in the right direction. But there is another lighting variable which certainly affects many different perceptions, light distribution, and this has been largely ignored by researchers and those funding research. The problem for researchers is a purely practical one. Until recently, to study different light distributions either in the laboratory or in the field required either an extensive installation that could be switched and dimmed as required or the frequent changing of luminaires. Neither of these is impossible but both are inhibiting to all but those with access to large amounts of money, time and labour. Fortunately, this situation is now beginning to change. The ability to create virtual, photometrically-accurate images of scenes and to use them in experiments conducted over the internet is an exciting prospect that would enable the effects of light distribution to be explored more easily. But the funding of such research is still a problem. This is because of the difficulty in applying the results. Light spectrum is a product variable but light distribution is a design variable. Given an ideal spectrum for a desired perception, light source manufacturers can construct a light source with that spectrum and these light sources can then be used wherever the perception is desired. Further, the said manufacturers tend to be large companies with the financial muscle to carry out such a project and to promote the resulting product. This is not the situation with regard to light distribution. Light distri