Tidelight case study

For many people, the sea is more than a backdrop – it’s a way of life. Whether it’s a surfer planning their next adventure, a dog walker enjoying a coastal stroll, or a fisherman whose home is at sea, the tides play a vital role in their daily routines.

The brainchild of Alex Tweed, Tidelight is a unique lamp that translates real-time tidal data into an evolving display, allowing users to track the tide at a glance. Designed to reflect the natural movement of the sea, the lamp shifts in colour to indicate whether the tide is coming in or going out, offering a connection to the ocean from the comfort of home. Users can personalise the lamp via an app, selecting their favourite coastal location and receiving live updates.

Bringing such an innovative product to market was never going to be simple. While Alex had a clear vision and an early prototype, he needed support to refine the product, address manufacturing challenges, and ensure the lamp was commercially viable. STRIDE provided a structured pathway forward, offering expertise in product development, market research, manufacturing, intellectual property protection, and branding.

STRIDE’s product development programme guides businesses through a five-stage process—from idea generation to product commercialisation. This structured approach reduces risk, enhances efficiency, and improves the chances of success. A key part of the programme involves assembling a Team X—a multidisciplinary team offering specialist skills and knowledge to support product development.

Tidelight was one of the first companies to go through the full STRIDE product development journey. The structured approach, combined with the right team, proved invaluable in helping the business successfully prepare for market launch.

When Alex first approached STRIDE, he had already built a working prototype and mapped out the core functionality of the lamp. However, he needed guidance on refining the design and developing a commercial strategy. His father, John—a seasoned businessman—joined the venture to shape the commercial side while Alex focused on the technical aspects.

There were still significant decisions to make. Who was the lamp for? Was it a niche product for coastal enthusiasts, or did it have wider appeal? Should it remain a standalone product or be the first in a broader range?

Through collaborative strategy sessions, STRIDE helped Alex and John explore potential product variations, from large-scale installations to portable, campervan-friendly models. It was eventually decided that launching with a single, high-quality lamp offered the best balance between market potential and production feasibility.