Think about lights like car daytime running lights or turn signals. These aren’t for the driver to see better but so others can see the car. Or construction flashing lights meant only for indication. Even small LED strips can fit this idea.
Is there a specific name for lights meant purely to be seen rather than to light up an area?
The general term for those is a beacon.
Drake said:
The general term for those is a beacon.
I didn’t think of that, but it makes sense. It still feels a bit off since I associate beacons with something larger, while I’m thinking of smaller, shorter-range lights.
Thanks for the suggestion, though!
Safety lights might be a good fit, like the reflectors on bikes. Another term could be decorative lighting, which isn’t about visibility but more about being noticeable or looking good.
For vehicles, these are often called marker lights.
I’d also call it a beacon.
Reed said:
I’d also call it a beacon.
Or maybe an indicator light depending on the context.